Expanding on its commitment to improving rider experience, Metro has recently launched a six-month pilot program to address the persistent request for public restrooms at stations. The agency has added bathrooms at three of its busiest stations, namely the Westlake/MacArthur Park station on the B (Red)/D (Purple) Lines, the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks station on the A (Blue)/C (Green) Lines, and the Norwalk station on the C Line. Additionally, a non-public restroom has been installed for bus/train operators at the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station.
Metro’s partnership with start-up company Throne has made this initiative possible. Throne is dedicated to resolving the lack of public restrooms issue and has provided Metro with portable, ADA accessible, and touchless Throne units. These units are equipped with a flushing toilet, a sink with running water, and a ventilation system. Remarkably, they operate on solar power and do not require any water, sewer, or electricity connections.
According to Throne, the freshwater and wastewater tanks in these units are more than four times larger than the tanks found in regular portable toilets, ensuring optimal functionality and convenience for riders.
Importantly, the implementation of this pilot program is cost-neutral for Metro. It was made possible through Metro’s unsolicited proposal process, facilitated by the Office of Strategic Innovation. This process allows any company to submit a proposal, creating an opportunity for Metro to pilot innovative solutions and learn from them. In this case, the partnership with Throne aims to assess how Metro can offer cleaner and more accessible public restrooms, in line with feedback from the agency’s Board of Directors and the public.
These new restrooms are free to use and can be unlocked either by scanning a QR code or sending a text message with a cell phone, as clearly indicated on the outside of each restroom. Operating hours are from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Furthermore, each restroom unit is equipped with 21 internet-connected sensors that enable Throne to monitor functionality and cleanliness, ensuring a seamless experience for users. Riders are also invited to rate their experience and report any issues they encounter.
For efficiency and fairness, each restroom visit is limited to 10 minutes, consistent with the automated restrooms at El Monte and Harbor Gateway stations. To facilitate access, Metro ambassadors will be present to monitor restroom usage and assist riders, if needed. Ensuring appropriate use is crucial, as Metro has faced challenges in the past with misuse of private facilities, leading to closures or restricted access.
The invaluable data and feedback gathered during this pilot program will guide Metro’s decisions moving forward, as the agency strives to enhance the overall riders’ experience. While Metro already offers public restrooms at Union Station, El Monte, and Harbor Gateway stations, these new additions mark a significant step towards better restroom accessibility across Metro’s extensive rail and bus network.
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