Support

What’s the Deal with Metro Restrooms?

metro_restrooms

I saw the above sign at the Rosslyn metro and I know it’s been mentioned in the past – but are there now public restrooms in all metro stations? Has anyone used one? Do you have to get a key? Where are they generally located (or can you just ask the station manager?)

Here’s an interesting press release from WMATA back in 2004:

“Several new restroom initiatives at Metrorail stations that were implemented at the beginning of the year, combined with the new automatic public toilet pilot at the Huntington Metrorail station, have proven to be successful, Metro managers told the Board of Directors today. The automatic public toilet that was installed at the Huntington Metrorail station in early October 2003, is used approximately 85 times a day since being installed six months ago. Also, since opening up its rail station restrooms to the public on January 4, there have been 1,600 requests granted to use them (through March 18). The single-stall, self-cleaning public toilet at the southern end of the Yellow Line was installed last fall inside the Huntington Metrorail station’s north mezzanine as a one-year test to determine customer acceptance and feasibility, as well as safety and cleanliness.

The unit, which costs Metro $39,600 per year to lease (three-year lease), costs an additional $55,000 for site renovation, installation, and water, sewer, and electric power hook-ups. There is an additional $14,400 per year for routine service/ maintenance, bringing the 12-month project cost to approximately $109,000. The vandal-resistant portable unit offers customers the use of a toilet, soap, toilet tissue, water dispensing and hand drying. There is an automatic interior chemical spray cleaning cycle after each use. Metro Board members have to decide whether to continue or expand the pilot in the future.

They also are considering whether to move the unit to Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail station at a cost of $75,000 (removal, restoration and installation costs) since that station’s existing restroom is not available to the public due to its location near safety-sensitive equipment. In November 2003, Metro managers took several steps to alert the public that starting January 4, 2004, the Metrorail station restrooms would be available for public use for the first time in the 28-year history of the transit system. Signs were posted in stations indicating restroom availability (except at a few locations deemed security-sensitive” Pentagon, Vienna/Fairfax-GMU, Arlington Cemetery and Addison Road-Seat Pleasant); officials specified conditions when customers could be denied requests to use the restrooms; and maintenance personnel repaired back room locks and cabinetry during the conversion of restrooms from employee-only areas to areas accessible to the public.

However, on March 18, Metro officials informed the Board that station restroom procedures were changed to allow the Metro Transit Police Chief to close the restrooms for public use during heightened security levels for a period of 30 days. Police Chief Polly Hanson temporarily closed Metro restrooms to the public on March 19, for security reasons. They were reopened on April 19.

News release issued on May 27, 2004.”

Recent Stories

Thanks to Dan for sending this great shot. If you spot a hawk, any interesting wildlife or celebrity skateboarder Tony Hawk, and get a good photo please send in an…

1813 Columbia Road, NW Namak is: “A new upscale casual Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in Adams Morgan — opening in late March 2024!”

[More reaction, including from AG, Councilmembers, the Developer and Monumental, after the jump.] From the Mayor’s Office: “Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chairman Phil Mendelson and Members of the Council of the…

12th and M Street, NW Thanks to Lisa for sending around 8:50am: “Fire on M Street at 12th.” From DC Fire and EMS: “Working Fire 1200 block M St NW….

Calling all bookworms, thrill-seekers, supporters of the arts, and ping-pongers at all skill levels! Sign up for Paddlestar Galactica, the ping-pong tournament supporting 826DC’s youth writing programs.

826DC is a local nonprofit that offers free writing programs, homework help, and publishing opportunities for DC students ages 6-18, in our Columbia Heights writing center and in learning spaces across the city.

Paddlestar Galactica helps keep writing education 100% free and accessible for all of our students! It’s also extremely fun.

This year’s games will be Saturday, April 27th, 1 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC. It’ll be a chaotic afternoon of ping-pong, costumes, terrible Battlestar Galactica puns, and good cheer. We’d love to have you join us!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning service in the DMV, has added a new service to its online booking menu: office and building cleanings.

This includes offices, building lobbies, shared amenity spaces and more throughout D.C., Arlington, Alexandria and more.

Unlike so many other cleaning services, you can feel good booking Well-Paid Maids to clean your office or building. Cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour. Plus, all employees are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off per year; 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Vakili Band at Pie Shop!

Three band rock n rolll lineup at DC’s Pie Shop! Vakili Band with “if you know, you know” DC rockers, Lot 18, and the many minds and songs of artist Kind of Christine.

“If you love Vakili Band like we

×

Subscribe to our mailing list