Mind the Opening Doors! NYC Introduces Timed Public Restrooms (2 Photos + 1 Video)

Yesterday, 17:01

Life in New York City is about to speed up in the most unexpected of places. City officials have declared war on anyone confusing a public restroom with a personal spa, waiting room, or reading lounge. The metropolis is launching a pilot program featuring high-tech modular restrooms that operate strictly on a countdown timer.

A total of 17 "smart" pods will pop up across the city's five boroughs. Access will require a special keycard or mobile app, and they will operate free of charge from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. But the main catch is a strict time limit.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani made it clear right away: these stalls are strictly for business, not for spending hours glued to smartphones. Users are allotted exactly 10 minutes for their quick visit, and the system won't hesitate to hurry them along.

At the 5-minute mark, a chime will announce that half your time is up. An 8-minute warning follows. As the clock ticks down, the lights inside will flash frantically alongside a loud, piercing beep. And at exactly 10 minutes, the automatic lock will click open, swinging the door wide to the outside world—regardless of what state the occupant is in.

A budget of $4 million has been allocated for the 17 restrooms.

A triumphant mayor signs legislation launching the new program to expand access to automated restrooms citywide.

Contractor spokesperson Jessica Heinzelman insists no one will be caught with their pants down without ample warning. Yet saving water is hardly the primary goal here. City officials openly admit this drastic move aims to drive drug users, sex workers, and the local homeless population out of public facilities.

New York's homeless residents have long used the free stalls as temporary shelters, occupying them for hours and leaving everyday commuters with no access. Now, setting up camp is out of the question—10 minutes, and it's time to head for the exit.