LA Metro Expands Free Restroom Access to Four Stations
LA Metro installs free solar-powered Throne Restrooms at four stations this week
Metro Adds Throne Restrooms at Four Stations
Los Angeles Metro riders will gain access to free public restrooms at four more stations this week, transit officials said. The agency's installing Throne Restrooms at Aviation/Century, Hawthorne/Lennox, Historic Broadway, and Jefferson/USC stations. The self-cleaning units are already serving over 2,000 people daily across Metro's system, though officials didn't specify how many stations currently have the facilities.
ADA-Accessible Solar-Powered Units
The Throne Restrooms are free-to-use, ADA-accessible units that operate on solar power, according to the transit agency. Metro's been expanding restroom access across its rail network to address a longstanding rider need. Transit agencies nationwide have struggled to provide adequate restroom facilities at stations due to maintenance costs and security concerns. Officials didn't say how much Metro's paying for the units or what the ongoing maintenance costs will be.
Self-Cleaning Technology
Each unit features self-cleaning technology designed to maintain sanitation between uses, transit officials said. The automated cleaning system activates after each visitor, though Metro didn't provide details about how long the cleaning cycle takes or how frequently the units require manual servicing. The solar-powered design means the restrooms can operate independently of station electrical systems. Officials said the technology's proven effective at other Metro stations but didn't release data on maintenance frequency or operational issues.
Rollout Timeline
Metro's installing the four new Throne Restrooms this week, though officials didn't provide specific dates for when each station's unit will become operational. The Aviation/Century station serves the C and K lines, while Hawthorne/Lennox is on the C Line. Historic Broadway connects the A and E lines, and Jefferson/USC is on the E Line. The agency hasn't announced whether additional stations will receive restrooms or what the timeline for further expansion might be.
Rider Access and Information
The new restrooms will be available to all Metro riders at no charge during station operating hours. With over 2,000 daily users systemwide, the facilities address a critical need for transit riders making longer trips or transfers between lines. Officials said the units' ADA accessibility ensures all riders can use the facilities. Moovit provides real-time Metro service updates and station information to help riders plan trips and locate station amenities.
