Seattle is testing a new approach to public restrooms in Pioneer Square. The Seattle Department of Transportation has partnered with Throne Labs to install four new solar-powered public restrooms as part of a one-year pilot program. The restrooms are free to use, ADA accessible, and designed to stay cleaner and more reliable than traditional public facilities.
In the announcement on the SDOT blog, Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson was quoted as saying:
“Today is a first step to delivering on Seattle’s number 1 and number 2 priority: creating clean, accessible, and safe public bathrooms. This is a simple solution to address one of our most basic human needs, and a step towards creating a more livable and welcoming city for everyone.”
There are two restroom units at each location:
- 2nd Ave S and S Washington St
- 1st Ave S and S Charles St, near Lumen Field
The bathrooms are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Getting inside is designed to be simple. There are four options for accessing the restrooms:
- If you have a smart phone, you can scan a QR code on the door.
- No smart phone? Simply text the word “Throne” to unlock it.
- There’s also a mobile app for Throne restrooms that shows nearby locations, availability, and cleanliness ratings in real time.
- For people without phones, community partners (such as libraries and transit agencies) will offer special access cards, and Downtown Ambassadors and CARE team staff will be onsite to help as well.
The restrooms are designed to be accessible for all with touchless sinks and toilets, baby-changing stations, grab bars, and NaviLens markers to help people who are blind or have low vision. A 10-minute time limit is meant to keep things moving and prevent overcrowding.
Check out a photo of the interior below:
via Throne Labs
One of the biggest selling points is speed and regularity of maintenance. Throne Labs says the units will be cleaned multiple times a day, and users can quickly report problems through the app or by text. The company can then dispatch maintenance crews as needed.
Of course, the upcoming World Cup matches in Seattle were a large motivator for this pilot program, according to SDOT:
“The restrooms are just one of Seattle’s many investments to make Downtown more comfortable and welcoming before the FIFA Men’s World Cup and for the future. During the six match days, Pioneer Square will become a walkable pedestrian zone and over 100 traditional portable toilets will be available in addition to the four provided by Throne Labs.”
These public restrooms are a one-year pilot program. If it’s considered a success, the city will consider making them permanent and adding more public restrooms to other locations. SDOT will be taking into account considerations such as “effectiveness of the technology, cleanliness, maintenance, and public feedback.” You can reach out to your city council member to provide feedback on these restrooms.
