New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled 17 new high-tech public restrooms across all five boroughs, but users who linger too long will find the doors swinging open on them. The units, built by Throne Labs, are programmed to automatically open after 10 minutes of occupancy.
Mamdani announced the rollout on X, writing, “Because you can’t wait, and you shouldn’t have to.” The restrooms are ADA accessible and include running water, climate control and baby changing tables. They operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and can be accessed via text message, QR code, a dedicated app or a tap card.
What the $4 Million Program Includes
Each unit costs $235,000, putting the total program at roughly $4 million. The investment is aimed at easing a long-standing public restroom shortage in a city of more than 8.5 million residents. According to NYC public restroom pilot program, the city plans to study the pilot and expand the network based on what it learns.
Too many New Yorkers know what it’s like to have nowhere to go while they’re on the go,” Mamdani said. “This pilot is about making sure New Yorkers can count on a clean, safe, accessible bathroom when they need one. We are going to learn from this pilot and build a public bathroom network that meets the needs of New Yorkers in every borough.”
Jessica Heinzelman Explains the 10-Minute Door
Throne Labs co-founder and COO Jessica Heinzelman addressed concerns about the auto-open feature at the city news conference. She said occupants receive ample warning before any door movement begins.
“At 10 minutes, there are flashing lights. The audio comes on. And this is both in English and Spanish for all of these indicators,” Heinzelman said. It says, ‘The door, your time is up, the door is opening.‘ The door’s opening. That extends for about 30 seconds. So, if you are still pants down, we’re not going to open the door on you. But then the door does open.”
Heinzelman also put the time limit in context, noting that most users are done well before the countdown ends. “The 10-min limit is a common standard for most timed public restrooms,” she said. “Users are notified of the time limit prior to entering, and the throne provides multiple audio and visual warnings throughout the use.” Throne Labs reports that 81 percent of users across its network finish their visit in under five minutes, with the vast majority leaving within three and a half minutes.
What Comes Next for the Restroom Network
Mamdani was blunt about what the restrooms are not designed for. “This is not a place to scroll on your phone. I know that many people do that. This isn’t one of them,” he said.
The city is treating the 17-unit rollout as a pilot, with plans to evaluate usage data before deciding how to expand the public bathroom network citywide. Officials have not announced a timeline for adding more units or identified which locations will receive them in a potential second phase.
