City offers a 25¢ pit stop that will help you potty on

NY Daily News ^ | 3/23/2006 | Jose Martinez

[CAWats]

Here's look no. 1 at the city's new pay toilets.

The first of 20 new public potties, which will soon offer New Yorkers relief for the price of a quarter, was unveiled in Brooklyn yesterday.

The Space Age loos, which look more like elevators from the outside, are self-cleaning and dispense liquid soap and hot water. They are part of the city's joint campaign with a Spanish company to spruce up the streetscape. But while new bus shelters and newsstands may look good, strategically placed comfort stations will be a boon for bladders.

"When you gotta go, you gotta go," said an approving Michael Ramirez, 55, who took a break from his job inside the Brooklyn Army Terminal to see the potty prototype. "It doesn't make any difference where you're at."

[CindyDawg]

And if you don't have a quarter?

[Gordongekko909]

I never thought, ever, that I would have to argue for privatization of toilets.

[pcottraux]

Maybe it'll take two dimes and a nickel.

[JAWs]

There's a pay toilet outside the Boston Public Library- similar to the ones described in the article. I have to say, it's pretty good.

[durasell]

This is Manhattan, if you've lived here more than two days and still don't know where every available free public restroom is within any three blocks from Wall Street to 120th -- then you might as well move.

[Kozak]

I wonder if these are the same as the ones that they tried in SF. The handicapped lobby made such a stink and made so many demands the company that was putting them in finally told them to go to hell. It was very amusing.

[SteveMcKing]

I've purchased many Dunkin Doughnut coffees because of my strong feeling that restrooms are for paying customers only, and my stronger feeling to relieve myself even if I don't want coffee at the moment.

Naturally over the course of a day, this solution only worsens the problem.

[Nathan Zachary]

And if you don't have a quarter?

pee in the sink.

[CindyDawg]

Three blocks can be a long way:') If I ever visit, I'll bring a roll of quarters. If you are ever my way you might want to do the same. In Mexico you have to pay the bathroom lady for toilet paper. One sheet at a time.

[CindyDawg]

Enjoy your coffee. Just save the cups:')

[CAWats]

I wonder if these are the same as the ones that they tried in SF. The handicapped lobby made such a stink and made so many demands the company that was putting them in finally told them to go to hell. It was very amusing.


I remember that. Such crybabies. Before you get on my case, I'm handicapped but if I can't go somewhere I don't ruin it for everyone else.

[CindyDawg]

For free?

[CindyDawg]

You are a good person.

[Clemenza]

I see this as being Junkie/gay sex heaven, much like the old subway bathrooms that were closed for those reasons.

That being said, the best FREE public restroom is the one at Bryant Park with a men's room attendent.

[Kozak]

If I remember the issue, the handicapped lobby wanted them all to be wheelchair accesible, the company didn't want them that big because they knew people would use them to have sex, shoot drugs and camp out in if they were. They offered to put in a few bigger ones, with a key access for the handicapped to use. No deal. It had to be all of them and it had to be no special access requirement. It was nuts.

[CAWats]

Three blocks can be a long way:') If I ever visit, I'll bring a roll of quarters. If you are ever my way you might want to do the same. In Mexico you have to pay the bathroom lady for toilet paper. One sheet at a time.

At the local bus station, the tp dispenser dispenses one sheet at a time, each being the size of a postage stamp. Takes an hour just to get what you need. :)

[joesnuffy]

If you dont have a quarter I guess you are just SOL

[CAWats]

Thank you; God bless you.

[Nathan Zachary]

Sure, why not? Unless of course the quarter slot device is on the outside door of the facility, then you'll have to use the nearest back ally like everyone else.