Will a new automated, self-cleaning public restroom system provide relief to Torontonians?
Cities throughout history have made provision for bodily needs, from Rome's public latrines to London's underground "public convenience." However, vandalism, poor maintenance and fear of crime have led most cities to close them. Now Toronto is hoping that contract with a private company to build and maintain automated public toilets will help change public perceptions...and habits. According to the Globe and Mail:
"Most cities don't have nearly enough [public toilets] leaving tourists and residents alike to duck into pubs or even disappear behind a bush. The public toilets that do exist are often filthy, graffiti-stained and prone to vandalism. Nothing tells the [Toronto Transit's] tale of decline and neglect as eloquently as the state of some of its station washrooms. The concrete-floored lavs in our public parks are often even worse.
The automated public toilet, or APT, is an attempt to close the toilet gap."
FULL STORY: Toronto unveils its first automated public toilet

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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