NYC rolls out 17 modular public restrooms with digital access and a 10-minute cap

New York City launches a yearlong, $4 million pilot adding 17 ADA‑accessible modular public bathrooms across the five boroughs, operated by Throne Labs, with digital entry via text, QR code, app, or tap card, and a 10-minute visit cap. The units run 7 a.m.–10 p.m., feature water, flushing toilets, climate control, and baby stations, and track usage for cleaning roughly every 10–15 visits. Advocates worry that residents without reliable cell service or access could be excluded, prompting calls for broader bathroom expansion and stakeholder feedback.