New York Rolls Out 17 High-Tech, Timed Public Toilets Citywide

New York City launches a one-year, $4 million pilot installing 17 Throne Labs public toilets across all five boroughs; free, ADA-accessible units require no water or sewer connections and operate 7 a.m.–10 p.m., accessible via text, QR, Throne app, or tap cards, with a 10-minute time limit and escalating audio-visual warnings before the door automatically opens; officials say the modular design lowers cost compared with permanent restrooms and helps address NYC’s restroom shortage, though some residents worry about access limits.