A shocking revelation has emerged from an audit of NYC subway bathrooms, highlighting a lack of essential amenities that many would consider basic necessities.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which operates 125 public bathrooms across the subway network, has come under scrutiny for its failure to provide even the most fundamental comforts to its riders. An audit report, published on Tuesday, paints a grim picture of these facilities, with many lacking toilet seats, paper, and soap.
The audit, conducted by the MTA inspector general's office, involved a thorough inspection of 32 subway bathrooms between December 2024 and April 2025. While most were found to be relatively clean and functional, the lack of basic amenities was a consistent issue. Four out of the 32 bathrooms inspected were fully equipped, while the rest were missing at least one essential item, such as toilet paper or soap. Some were even covered in graffiti and litter, and several had broken stall locks, compromising the privacy of users.
One of the most concerning findings was the presence of metal toilet bowls without seats, a violation of plumbing codes and a potential public health hazard, according to the inspector general. This issue was particularly prominent at the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center station, where commuters expressed their reluctance to use the restrooms.
"They should have staff to maintain cleanliness, and users should also be responsible," said Jacqueline Alvarez, a home health aide. "People need to refrain from littering and ensure proper usage."
Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, a brave few ventured into the subway bathrooms. The men's room at Atlantic Terminal, for instance, offered a glimpse of the MTA's best efforts, with wholesale hand soap, toilet paper, a seat, and a functioning hand dryer. However, this was not the norm, and many commuters still approached these facilities with caution, cracking open doors to survey the scene before entering.
The subway bathroom network has a recent history of closures, with all facilities shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. They began to reopen in January 2023, but the audit highlights the need for continued improvement.
In response to the audit, MTA officials have committed to better communication with riders about restroom availability and have promised to install toilet seats where needed. The agency has also taken steps to renovate the bathrooms, adding tiles, new fixtures, and fresh paint.
"We appreciate the inspector general's recognition of our progress and remain committed to enhancing the customer experience," said Joana Flores, an MTA spokesperson.
The issue of subway bathroom amenities is a complex one, with potential public health and safety implications. It raises questions about the priorities and responsibilities of the MTA and the experiences of its riders. What do you think? Should the MTA do more to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for its users, or is this a case of expecting too much from a public transit system?
