Archive · 19 Sep 2026
New York City Adds Ten-Minute Timers To Public Bathrooms
New York City is adding 17 new public bathrooms.
They will be free and open from 7 a.m.
to 10 p.m.
Each bathroom has a 10-minute timer.
Warnings will use sounds and flashing lights before the time ends.
After a short delay, the door will open automatically.
City officials say the bathrooms are for quick visits, not for sitting and using a phone.
The bathrooms can be used without touching controls and can be moved to different places.
They include sinks, toilets, cooling and heating, and baby-changing stations.
Most people reportedly finish using them in about 3½ minutes.
New York City is installing 17 free public bathrooms across all five boroughs.
Users will have 10 minutes before audio and visual warnings precede automatic door opening.
The $4 million pilot aims to expand restroom access in busy neighborhoods.
The touchless, ADA-accessible units include toilets, sinks, climate control, and baby-changing stations.
Throne Labs says most users leave within about 3½ minutes, while the city discourages extended phone use.
- Who
- New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Throne Labs are involved.
- What
- The city is installing 17 public bathrooms with a 10-minute usage limit and automatic door opening after warnings.
- When
- The bathrooms will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the report was published September 19, 2026.
- Where
- The units are being installed at public plazas and other high-traffic locations across New York City’s five boroughs.
- Why
- The $4 million pilot is intended to expand public restroom access while preventing people from occupying units for long periods.
- Number of units
- 17 public bathrooms
- Pilot cost
- $4 million
- Usage limit
- 10 minutes
- Operating hours
- Daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Typical visit
- About 3½ minutes, according to Throne Labs and the mayor
- Accessibility
- Touchless and ADA accessible
- Access methods
- Text message, QR code, Throne Bathroom Network app, or community-distributed tap cards