Public Toilets Make a Comeback

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."