Mamdani rolls out 17 public bathrooms reportedly worth over $235k each across NYC that New Yorkers can unlock with their phones

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is rolling out 17 high-tech public bathrooms across New York City, and each unit reportedly comes with a price tag of over $235,000. This project is a major component of a $4 million initiative intended to address the city’s long-standing public restroom shortage, which currently leaves 8.6 million residents with only about 1,100 available facilities.

As reported by the NY Post, the administration first unveiled this plan in January, framing it as a direct response to the common struggle of finding a public bathroom in a city where many facilities are locked or reserved for paying customers. During a press conference in Queens, Mayor Mamdani highlighted how relatable this issue is for anyone living in the city. “We have listened intently as a worker in Chipotle whispers the bathroom code to another paying customer,” Mamdani said.

He further emphasized the frustration of the situation, noting, “We have bought that nine-dollar latte, and all of us have, at some point or another, just turned around and had to go home.” The contract for these modular units was reportedly awarded to Throne Labs, a company tasked with the construction, installation, and maintenance of the toilets for a one-year period. 

The toilets are fully ADA accessible 

These aren’t your typical portable toilets, as they are fully ADA accessible and include features like climate control, running water, and dedicated baby changing stations. Accessing the facilities is designed to be tech-forward, as you can unlock the doors using the Throne Bathroom Network app, a QR code, a simple text message, or a specialized tap card. 

The app also provides real-time cleanliness ratings and helps you locate the nearest pod. For those who don’t rely on smartphones, the city plans to distribute tap cards through local community partners that will be identified at a later time.

Some residents see this as a necessary improvement to city life. Jeffery Sidnez, a 50-year-old resident of Bed-Stuy, reportedly expressed his support while at Columbus Park in Brooklyn, which is slated to host one of the units.

“I mean, I’ve been in places where I held my bladder for how long, and I felt like I was gonna explode and just had to go think it’s this long overdue,” he noted. Another local, Debra S., agreed that the project is a positive step, provided that the units are properly monitored.

Not everyone is convinced that this is the best solution for the city, however. Adrianna Mendizabal, a 22-year-old from Bensonhurst, reportedly expressed concerns regarding the safety and sanitary conditions of the pods. She mentioned she would likely use them only as a last resort and shared worries about the potential for people to use the units for sleeping.

To address concerns about misuse or overstaying, Throne Labs has implemented a strict time management system. Chief Operating Officer Jessica Heinzelman explained that the pods are equipped with a warning system, including flashing lights, if a user remains inside for more than four minutes. 

“The door eventually will open, letting that user know well in advance, and that’s actually saved lives in other locations where someone is having a medical emergency, contrary to your traditional public restroom,” Heinzelman said.