NYC Launches $4M Pilot for High-Tech Public Bathrooms with Auto-Opening Doors
The city aims to alleviate a public restroom shortage with 17 modular units, each featuring a 10-minute time limit that automatically opens the stall door.
New York City has introduced a $4 million pilot program featuring 17 modular public restrooms, designed to address the city's persistent shortage of accessible sanitation facilities. The initiative, led by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, deploys advanced units from Throne Labs across all five boroughs. These high-tech bathrooms are equipped with a unique safety feature: the stall doors automatically open after 10 minutes of use.
Throne Labs co-founder and COO Jessica Heinzelman explained that the 10-minute limit is a standard for timed public restrooms and was determined after analyzing usage patterns. She noted that the vast majority of users in other markets complete their use within 3.5 minutes. Before the door opens, users receive escalating audio and visual warnings in both English and Spanish, including flashing lights. At the 10-minute mark, a final warning sounds, and the door begins to open over a 30-second period, allowing users time to finish.
The pilot program aims to provide a cost-effective solution to the city's restroom deficit. Mamdani stated that the cost for all 17 units is comparable to the historical expense of a single traditional public restroom in New York City, highlighting the escalating infrastructure costs associated with permanent facilities.
The ADA-accessible units will be located in high-traffic areas and will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Access can be gained via text message, QR code, the Throne app, or physical tap cards. The modular design allows the units to function without direct connections to water, sewer, or power systems, further reducing installation costs.
This timed-access technology is already in use in California, with Caltrain piloting similar Throne units and Long Beach having deployed four such units in 2025. While most users adhere to the time limits, some feedback from Long Beach indicated concerns about the restriction. Mamdani acknowledged the potential for misuse and advised against lingering, stating, "This is not a place to scroll on your phone. I know that many people do that. This isn't one of them."
New York City has historically faced a significant public restroom shortage, with an estimated one public toilet for every 8,500 residents. Mamdani characterized the current pilot as a foundational step toward establishing a more comprehensive network of public facilities.