Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Sept. 16 the installation of modular public restrooms across New York City as part of a one-year pilot program with Throne Labs.<\/p>\n
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This $4 million initiative<\/a> will bring 17 free and accessible restrooms to high-traffic areas that currently lack reliable access to a restroom. Each bathroom will open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The program was announced<\/a> in January and the New York City Economic Development Corporation selected Throne Labs through a competitive bidding process in June. The company will produce, install and maintain the restrooms.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cToo many New Yorkers know what it\u2019s like to have nowhere to go while they\u2019re on the go,\u201d Mamdani said<\/a>. \u201cThis pilot is about making sure New Yorkers can count on a clean, safe, accessible bathroom when they need one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The ADA-accessible, fully touchless units<\/a> play music and include a running-water sink, flushing toilet, climate control and baby-changing station. However, this is not a typical restroom. These units are not connected to water, sewer or power, allowing them to be mobile based on community needs.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Users will be able to enter the restroom through text message, a QR code, the Throne Bathroom Network app or a physical access card distributed by local community partners. The app also allows users to find the closest restroom, check real-time cleanliness ratings and bathroom availability.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Throne Labs Jessica Heinzelman said<\/a> during the press conference that users will be limited to 10 minutes inside each restroom. Audio warnings will play at the five- and eight-minute marks. At the 10-minute mark, lights will start flashing, followed by a 30-second grace period before the door opens.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The bathrooms will be installed across all five boroughs. Planned locations include<\/a> Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, Columbus Park in Brooklyn and Cooper Square in Manhattan. Installation began the week of Sept. 16, but officials did not release installation dates for each location.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn said<\/a>, \u201cAll New Yorkers deserve welcoming public spaces that allow them to get where they\u2019re going with dignity and feel cared for. Public restrooms improve the quality of life for everyone, especially our older adults, parents with young children, delivery workers, people with disabilities and so many more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Throne Labs is a public restroom company that designs and operates modular bathrooms. The company currently<\/a> operates public restrooms in Washington D.C., Seattle, Los Angeles and more.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n