
NYC Launches 17 High-Tech Public Bathrooms Amid Access Concerns
New York City has begun installing 17 modular public bathrooms across the five boroughs as part of a $4 million, year-long pilot program. Operated by Throne Labs, the self-contained units require no water, sewer, or power connections and feature climate control, running water, and baby-changing stations. Access is controlled via text message, QR code, a dedicated app, or physical tap cards. Each unit enforces a strict 10-minute usage limit, with automated audio and visual warnings before the door opens. While Mayor Zohran Mamdani framed the initiative as a cost-effective solution to the city’s restroom shortage, advocates raised concerns that digital entry requirements may exclude homeless individuals without reliable phone access.





