Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has made promoting the availability of bathrooms in subway stations his top priority. In an interview with The Post, Levine expressed surprise at how few people were aware of the existence of these facilities. He believes that a public awareness campaign, including announcements and ads, could help alleviate the discomfort experienced by riders who urgently need to use a bathroom during their commute.
Prior to the pandemic, 133 bathrooms were available at subway stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. As of Tuesday, 59 stations have restrooms that are open following renovations, with the stalls available between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the MTA.
To improve accessibility, Levine has proposed installing new signs and wayfinding signals directing riders to the restrooms. He also suggests incorporating digital bathroom maps into subway stations and updating the MTA map to reflect the availability of restrooms.
The MTA has acknowledged receipt of Levine’s letter and is currently reviewing its contents. If implemented, these measures would significantly enhance the convenience and comfort of subway riders.
