In a city where the need for a public restroom can often turn into an uneasy quest, Washington D.C. has unleashed a new plan to ease this most fundamental human concern. As part of a pilot program, D.C. has launched an installation of mobile bathrooms, dubbed Throne Labs, providing a free, essential service to both residents and tourists. These port-a-potties are popping up in locations including Oxon Run Park, Columbia Heights, H Street NE, DuPont Circle, and Downtown DC, as reported by WUSA9.
Last fall, legislation was pushed through to establish at least five of these restroom facilities, and Throne Labs, a Maryland-based company founded in 2020, won the contract to make it happen. Convenience, and accessibility are key, as these Johns are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. They even feature hands-free decentry for those without smartphones through a card system, overcoming the technology barrier, as noted by Jessica Heinzelman, Throne's COO, in a statement obtained by FOX 5.
Speaking of availability, it seems D.C. was sorely behind on the curve, accommodating its population and visitors with only one public restroom per 10,000 people. Compelled to rely on the charity of local businesses or the mercy of their own bodies, people were often caught short. Councilwoman Brianne Nadeau, the architect behind this push, recognized the need for "safe and dignified restrooms" particularly for those who are pregnant, have chronic health issues, or struggle with homelessness. She shared her constituents' enthusiasm, telling FOX 5, "D.C. residents are incredibly excited about it."
The Thrones aren't just about answering nature's call; they’re a feat of technology, even running flush toilets and sinks sans traditional connections to electricity or sewer lines. Heinzelman, backing up the innovation, said, "I think the other thing we hear a lot is concern that people are going to go inside and take it over, camp in there, and we’ve actually had great success with our anti-loitering system, so Throne is a multimedia experience." The restrooms welcome users with audio and maintain safety and efficiency by limiting use to 10 minutes, as reported by FOX 5.
As D.C. tests these waters of public convenience, the future of Throne Labs' lavatories hangs in a curious balance. With the trial set to conclude in September, the city council will then decide whether the roll-out of these public privies should continue. Voices from the ground suggest the support is there; as one restroom user eagerly put it to FOX 5, "This is one of the best things in Washington, D.C. I actually want to see a lot of them, more of them across the whole DMV area." For now, D.C. waits, bladders in tow, for the final verdict on these mobile marvels.
