NYC Launches Pilot of 17 High-Tech Public Bathrooms With 10-Minute Limit

New York City has begun installing 17 high-tech, modular public bathrooms as part of a $4 million pilot program announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The units, operated by the company Throne Labs, are designed to address the city's longstanding shortage of public restrooms. The self-contained bathrooms do not require connections to water, sewer, or power infrastructure, making them cheaper and relocatable. They feature a running water sink, flushing toilet, climate control, and a baby-changing station. The units are ADA-accessible and will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Access requires a smartphone text, QR code, the Throne app, or a physical tap card distributed by community partners. Once inside, users face a strict 10-minute time limit. An automated voice provides warnings at five and eight minutes. At the 10-minute mark, lights flash and an announcement states the door will open. Throne Labs' COO, Jessica Heinselman, said users then get roughly another 30 seconds before the door slides open. The company is working on an option for those needing more time. The pilot program has raised concerns about accessibility.