The New York City government announced on June 3 the launch of the “Ur In Luck” project, which introduces a public toilet map in the Google Maps application. This initiative allows people to immediately search for the public restrooms in parks, libraries, private public spaces, subway stations, and public plazas in the five boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island through their smartphones.
Led by Ya-Ting Liu, the Director of Public Areas at the New York City Mayor’s Office, the “Ur In Luck” project collaborates every two years with the New York City Parks Department, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the three major public library systems (New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Library), the New York City Department of Transportation, and private entities to provide information on the operation of public toilets in the five boroughs.
Individuals can scan the QR code provided by the city government to save the public restroom map on the Google Maps application on their smartphones. By accessing the restroom map on Google Maps, users can easily locate the public toilets in all five administrative districts of New York City and plan their transportation routes accordingly.
Currently, New York City has nearly a thousand public toilets. Over the next five years, the NYC Parks Department plans to construct 46 new public toilets: 10 in the Bronx, 23 in Brooklyn, 28 in Manhattan, 14 in Queens, and 7 in Staten Island, in addition to renovating the existing 36 public toilets.
The “Ur In Luck” project aims to improve convenience for residents and visitors alike by providing easy access to information on public restrooms across the city. This initiative not only enhances the overall urban experience but also promotes public health and sanitation by ensuring the availability of clean and accessible toilet facilities.
The addition of new public toilets and the refurbishment of existing ones reflect the city’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and amenities for the benefit of its residents and tourists. With technological advancements and collaborative efforts, New York City continues to strive towards creating a more efficient and user-friendly urban environment.