New York City is addressing its long-standing public restroom scarcity with the launch of a $4 million pilot program. This initiative introduces 17 modular public bathroom units across all five boroughs, each equipped with a unique feature: a 10-minute usage limit before the doors automatically open, preceded by escalating warnings.
The program, spearheaded by city officials, aims to significantly improve urban quality of life by providing accessible and hygienic facilities in high-traffic areas. These units are designed to offer a modern, cost-effective solution to a critical infrastructure challenge, while also implementing measures to deter prolonged occupation and loitering.
Addressing a critical urban need with innovation
The city’s public restroom shortage has been a persistent quality-of-life concern for residents and visitors alike. New York City currently provides approximately one public toilet for every 8,500 residents, a statistic that highlights the urgent need for expanded access to facilities. Traditional public bathroom construction has historically involved extraordinary costs, often limiting the city’s ability to develop a comprehensive network.
This pilot program champions a modular approach, significantly reducing the infrastructure expenses typically associated with permanent facilities. The units do not require direct connections to existing water, sewer, or power systems, streamlining installation and maintenance. City officials emphasized that the entire pilot, encompassing 17 units, costs roughly the same as a single traditional public restroom has historically cost in New York City, demonstrating a substantial gain in municipal common sense.
According to experts like former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, this innovative approach is a victory for urban planning. He noted that anyone familiar with New York’s streets understands the severe lack of basic public amenities. Aronberg suggested that if this modular pilot can deliver clean, safe bathrooms for a fraction of the cost of conventional structures, it represents a practical solution to a tangible city problem.
Understanding the 10-minute time limit mechanism
A central feature of the new Throne Labs units is the enforced 10-minute time limit for each use. This restriction is designed to ensure equitable access for all users and prevent extended occupations. Jessica Heinzelman, co-founder and COO of Throne Labs, explained that this limit aligns with common standards found in other timed public restrooms.
The company further validated this restriction by analyzing actual usage data, which revealed that the vast majority of users complete their visits well within the allotted time. Across their network, most individuals spend an average of 3.5 minutes inside the units. Data also shows that 81% of users typically finish within five minutes, and over 95% at one downtown Los Angeles location conclude their use within ten minutes.
Users are informed of the time limit before entering the unit. As the 10-minute mark approaches, a series of escalating warnings are activated:
- At 5 minutes, users receive an initial reminder.
- At 8 minutes, a second reminder is issued.
- At 10 minutes, flashing lights activate, accompanied by an audio notification in both English and Spanish announcing, “Your time is up, the door is opening.”
- A 30-second grace period follows this final warning before the door physically opens, providing an opportunity for users to complete their activities without immediate exposure.
This system has proven effective in other cities, balancing user needs with the objective of mitigating loitering.
Operational details and broader implications
The one-year pilot program will strategically place the ADA-accessible units in high-traffic locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These facilities will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will be free for public use. Access to the units is designed to be convenient and versatile, allowing users to open doors via text message, QR code, the dedicated Throne app, or physical tap cards distributed through community partners.
The technology behind these units is not entirely new to public spaces. Similar Throne units are already in use in California, notably as part of Caltrain’s restroom pilot at stations in Redwood City, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto. Long Beach, California, also implemented four Throne units in 2025, subsequently extending its partnership after a successful initial pilot phase. That city’s original announcement highlighted the units’ 21 sensors that monitor cleanliness, usage, and potential misuse while safeguarding user privacy.
While generally well-received, the time restriction has prompted some feedback. In Long Beach’s community survey responses, at least one user expressed concern, requesting an extension to the limit after nearly being caught inside when their time expired. This feedback underscores the importance of balancing efficiency with user comfort.
New York City officials view the introduction of these 17 units as a crucial first step toward establishing a more extensive network of public restrooms. When questioned about the 10-minute restriction, Mayor Mamdani offered a straightforward caution to New Yorkers accustomed to lingering: “This is not a place to scroll on your phone. I know that many people do that. This isn’t one of them.” The pilot represents a pragmatic effort to address a fundamental urban need through innovative, modular solutions.
