New York City is getting 17 new public bathrooms, but there's one important rule visitors will need to remember: Don't take too long.
The bathrooms, being installed across all five boroughs as part of a $4 million pilot program, will give users 10 minutes before the door automatically opens. Before that happens, users will receive audio and visual warnings, including flashing lights, to let them know their time is almost up.
The final warning tells users that their time is up and the door is opening. There is then a short delay before the door actually opens, giving people a chance to finish up and leave.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the time limit during a Wednesday news conference, telling New Yorkers: "This is not a place to scroll on your
phone. I know that many people do that. This isn't one of them."
Why 10 minutes?
The 10-minute limit is intended in part to prevent people from occupying the bathrooms for extended periods, according to Throne Labs, the company operating the units.
Jessica Heinzelman, co-founder and chief operating officer of Throne Labs, told Fox News that the company settled on the limit after reviewing how long people typically use its bathrooms. She said the vast majority of users leave within about 3½ minutes.
Mamdani said the bathrooms are designed with the same goal in mind, noting during the news conference that the average public restroom visit is about 3½ minutes.
The units are cleaned by staff, with the mayor saying they are cleaned on average every 15 uses or fewer. Throne Labs will also use real-time feedback from users to identify units that need attention.
What are the new NYC bathrooms like?
The free bathrooms will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are ADA accessible and fully touchless.
Each unit has a flushing toilet, running-water sink, climate control and a baby-changing station. They are also designed to be self-contained, meaning they don't require connections to the city's water, sewer or power infrastructure. That allows the units to be moved or relocated as needs change.
The bathrooms will play music and can be accessed by text message, QR code, the Throne Bathroom Network app or tap cards distributed through local community partners.
The app allows users to find nearby bathrooms, check whether a unit is available and see real-time cleanliness ratings.
Where are the new public bathrooms?
The 17 bathrooms 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.
Why is NYC adding public bathrooms?
New York City's pilot is intended to expand access to public restrooms in areas where residents currently lack reliable options.
Mamdani announced the $4 million modular bathroom initiative in January, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation selected Throne Labs in June to deliver, operate and service the units. The pilot will run for one year.
During Wednesday's news conference, Mamdani said the city has roughly 1,000 public restrooms for a population of about 8.5 million people. He described the 17 bathrooms as a first step toward a larger public bathroom network.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No loitering on the loo. New NYC bathrooms come with a time limit
