New York City's Public Bathrooms Now Come With A 10-Minute Countdown: ‘Not A Place To Scroll’

New York City is getting 17 new public bathrooms across all five boroughs but anyone who uses them will have to keep an eye on the clock as they will have just 10 minutes before the doors automatically open. The bathrooms are being installed as part of a $4 million pilot programme aimed at expanding access to public restrooms in busy neighbourhoods across the city. The units will be free to use and open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that the unusual rule of a countdown in the washrooms is being introduced because the facilities are meant for quick visits and not extended phone sessions.

“This is not a place to scroll on your phone. I know that many people do that. This isn’t one of them,” Zohran Mamdani said.

The 10-minute countdown is designed to prevent people from occupying the units for long periods. Before the time runs out, users will receive audio and visual warnings, including flashing lights. The final warning will tell users that their time is up and that the door is about to open. A short delay follows before the door actually opens, giving users a chance to finish and leave.

Why Is There A 10-Minute Limit?

Throne Labs, the company operating the bathrooms, said that the limit was established after examining how long people typically spend inside its units. Jessica Heinzelman, co-founder and chief operating officer of Throne Labs, told Fox News that the vast majority of users leave within about 3½ minutes. Zohran Mamdani also cited an average public restroom visit of around 3½ minutes while explaining the city’s approach.

What Are New York City’s New Bathrooms Like?

The new bathrooms are fully touchless and ADA accessible. Each unit features a flushing toilet, running-water sink, climate control and a baby-changing station. They are also self-contained, meaning they do not need to be connected to the city’s water, sewer or power infrastructure. This makes it possible for the city to move or relocate them as neighbourhood needs change.

The bathrooms will play music and can be accessed through a text message, QR code, the Throne Bathroom Network app or tap cards distributed through local community partners. The app will allow users to locate nearby bathrooms, check whether a unit is available and view real-time cleanliness ratings.

The 17 units are being installed at public plazas and other high-traffic locations across New York City’s five boroughs. Planned locations include Yankee Stadium, Admiral Farragut Playground, Mapes Park and Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square in the Bronx; Columbus Park, Milestone Park, Fulton Street and Truxton Street and Avenue C Plaza in Brooklyn; four locations in Queens; four in Manhattan; and the North Shore Esplanade on Staten Island.