Chicago Lags In Transit Toilets

"A growing number of major cities and mass-transit agencies are installing automated public toilets, providing the much-needed amenities to encourage people to ride trains and buses and to foster a more pedestrian-friendly environment, according to the American Public Transportation Association."

"Public toilets have been installed in more than 600 cities worldwide, from Boston to New York to Athens and Singapore, according to industry groups."

But in Chicago, the toilets are almost completely off-limits to customers.

"The CTA is required to grant toilet access only to customers who have a medical condition that necessitates immediate access to a restroom, the agency said. They're also required only if there is no public restroom within a half block and at least three CTA employees are present at the rail station."

"Meanwhile, the city of Chicago, which has invested heavily in concrete flower boxes and other street furniture, is in the early stages of 'researching public toilets as new technologies and products become available,' said Brian Steele, spokesman for the Chicago Department of Transportation"