Sienna Rhodes
Sound Transit is re-evaluating its restroom policy and considering adding more public restrooms to its transit system. While some Sounder commuter rail stations and trains have restroom facilities, many stations lack them. The absence of restrooms has led to discussions about the possible implementation of restrooms on buses, with some commuters expressing their desire for accessible bathroom facilities during their journeys. This introduction aims to provide insight into the ongoing developments and discussions regarding the availability of restrooms on Sound Transit buses and the potential impact on passengers' experiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do Sound Transit buses have bathrooms? | It is unclear whether Sound Transit buses have bathrooms. However, Sound Transit trains have onboard bathrooms, and some transit stations have public restrooms. |
| Sound Transit trains with bathrooms | All Sounder commuter trains have onboard bathrooms. |
| Stations with public restrooms | Several Sounder commuter rail stations, including Bellevue Transit Center and Federal Way Transit Center, have public restrooms. By 2024, the number of Sound Transit facilities with restrooms was projected to increase to 18. |
| Challenges and considerations | Sound Transit has faced challenges due to the costs and maintenance of restrooms, including issues with vandalism and graffiti. There are concerns about the accessibility and convenience of restrooms for passengers, with some stations requiring the use of fare media to access them. |
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What You'll Learn
Sound Transit's public restroom policy
Sound Transit has been considering changes to its public restroom policy since 2019. While some Sound Transit commuter rail stations and trains have restroom facilities, there is a lack of public restrooms at light rail stations, leading to concerns about "toilet deserts."
Several Sounder commuter rail stations, including Bellevue Transit Center and Federal Way Transit Center, have restroom facilities. Additionally, all Sounder trains are required to have onboard restroom facilities per Motion No. M98-67. However, staff at Sound Transit acknowledged the challenges and costs associated with maintaining restrooms due to issues such as vandalism and graffiti.
By 2024, the number of Sound Transit facilities with restrooms is expected to increase to 18, with nearly all new restrooms located in suburban cities. This expansion is influenced by local government requirements, such as Kent's land use code, which mandates restroom facilities for light rail stations.
The recommended policy updates encourage the placement of passenger restrooms at key station locations, preferably within fare-paid zones. However, there are concerns that stringent criteria may discourage universal and easy access to restrooms at light rail stations. As a result, local governments or passenger advocates may push for the inclusion of passenger restrooms in station development standards to enhance the overall passenger experience.
In addition to the existing restroom facilities, Sound Transit is exploring other solutions, such as locating restrooms within fare-paid zones and considering the design and operational strategies for new public restrooms.
While Sound Transit has not provided specific details about restroom access on its buses, some reports mention the availability of portapotties at shuttle stops and coach buses with a single restroom in the back. However, these restrooms may not always be accessible or well-maintained.
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Restrooms on Sound Transit trains
Sound Transit has been facing criticism and pressure from local jurisdictions and passengers to improve its restroom policy and increase the number of public restrooms at its stations. In response, Sound Transit has committed to expanding bathroom access across its facilities, including at transit hubs and onboard trains.
Currently, Sound Transit only has 11 locations with public restroom facilities, with two in Seattle (Union Station and Northgate Transit Center) and the rest in other cities served by the agency. Notably, no light rail facilities in Seattle have restroom facilities, while all light rail stations in Tukwila and SeaTac do. Several Sounder commuter rail stations also have restroom facilities, and all Sounder trains are required by Motion No. M98-67 to have onboard restroom facilities.
The agency has acknowledged the need for more restrooms as its system grows and riders travel longer distances. The average travel time on light rail in 2018 was 18 minutes, but trips from Federal Way and Everett to Downtown Seattle are projected to take 53 and 60 minutes, respectively, highlighting the importance of accessible restrooms.
By 2024, Sound Transit plans to have passenger bathrooms at 16 transit facilities as part of the Lynnwood and Federal Way Link extension projects. These will include the Kent-Des Moines Station, Star Lake Station, and all of the Lynnwood Link stations. The agency's workgroup on the bathroom policy has recommended that new passenger bathrooms be located at hubs where at least five routes/services converge, with at least 10,000 boardings per day, and that passengers have access to a bathroom within a 20-minute ride time from a transit facility.
However, there are concerns about the maintenance and staffing requirements of public restrooms, as well as the potential for misuse and vandalism. These challenges impact the costs of providing and maintaining restroom facilities, leading to a cautious approach by Sound Transit.
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Restrooms at Sound Transit stations
Sound Transit is currently reviewing its restroom policy and considering adding more public restrooms at its stations. This is in response to concerns raised about the lack of restroom access at many of its stations, particularly in Seattle.
Currently, Sound Transit provides public restrooms at Union Station in the Chinatown/International District of Seattle, which is open until 5 pm, and at Northgate Station, which requires requesting access from a security guard. Additionally, several Sounder commuter rail stations have restroom facilities, including Bellevue Transit Center and Federal Way Transit Center. All Sounder trains also have onboard restroom facilities, as mandated by Motion No. M98-67.
By 2024, the number of Sound Transit facilities with restrooms is expected to increase to 18, with nearly all new restrooms located in suburban cities. However, this still leaves many stations without restroom access, and there are concerns that the proposed restroom policy will not adequately address this issue. The criteria established by Sound Transit for installing restrooms include having an average of 10,000 or more boardings per day, being at least 20 minutes away from the nearest passenger restroom, and having at least five or more transit routes converging at the station.
To promote the use of existing restroom facilities, Sound Transit plans to update interactive and printed maps to highlight their locations. They also plan to convert gendered signage to unisex signage at existing stations. The agency is also considering using leased retail facilities to expand restroom access, such as at Angle Lake Station, where there is leasable retail space available.
The addition of more public restrooms at Sound Transit stations is expected to improve passenger comfort and send a message of inclusivity to all potential users of the transit system.
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Restroom maintenance and cleanliness
One challenge that Sound Transit faces is the maintenance and cleanliness of restrooms due to misuse, vandalism, and normal cleaning requirements. To address these issues, Sound Transit has adopted design and operational strategies for new public restrooms. For example, locating restrooms within a fare-paid zone can help manage access and reduce misuse.
In addition, the transit agency experiences challenges with the costs associated with restroom maintenance and cleanliness. This includes the cost of ongoing maintenance due to vandalism, such as graffiti removal and repairs.
To improve restroom maintenance and cleanliness, Sound Transit should consider the following:
- Regular cleaning and maintenance schedule: Develop a schedule for routine cleaning and maintenance of restrooms to ensure they are consistently clean and in good working condition.
- Staff training: Provide training to staff on restroom maintenance and cleanliness, including identifying and reporting any issues or vandalism.
- Vandalism prevention: Implement measures to prevent vandalism, such as surveillance or increased staff presence during peak hours.
- Public education: Educate riders on the importance of keeping restrooms clean and the impact of misuse and vandalism on their transit experience.
- Collaboration with local governments: Work with local governments to adopt development standards or permitting conditions for stations to include passenger restrooms, as has been done successfully in some cities.
By implementing these strategies, Sound Transit can improve the maintenance and cleanliness of its restrooms, providing a better experience for riders and reducing the costs associated with restroom upkeep.
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Passenger demand for restrooms
Restrooms are an essential amenity for passengers, particularly on long-distance journeys or when travelling with young children, elderly passengers, or those with special needs. Without onboard bathrooms, groups face the inconvenience of frequent stops for restroom breaks, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
The availability of onboard restrooms can vary depending on the size and type of vehicle. Smaller buses may not have the necessary space to accommodate a restroom, while larger models often feature spacious and well-maintained bathrooms. Charter bus companies recognise the importance of onboard restrooms and typically offer them on their larger buses. These bathrooms provide a seamless travel experience, reducing the need for frequent stops and ensuring passengers can remain on the bus for longer stretches.
However, the inclusion of restrooms on buses also presents challenges. Restrooms must be properly maintained and cleaned, and there are additional costs associated with their installation and upkeep. Issues such as graffiti, vandalism, and misuse can further complicate the management of onboard restrooms.
To address these concerns, some transit agencies, like Sound Transit, are re-evaluating their restroom policies and exploring possible changes. They are considering factors such as travel times, rider needs, and the availability of restrooms at stations. Sound Transit, for instance, aims to increase the number of facilities with restrooms, especially as their system expands and riders travel longer distances.
Ultimately, the demand for restrooms on buses reflects passengers' desire for comfort and convenience during their journeys. While there are operational challenges, transit agencies strive to balance these demands with the practical considerations of maintaining clean and functional restroom facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether Sound Transit buses have bathrooms. However, Sound Transit has been considering adding more public restrooms. By 2024, the number of Sound Transit facilities with restrooms will increase to 18, but these are likely located in suburban cities.
All Sounder trains have onboard restroom facilities. However, stations generally don't have them present.
Sound Transit staff have acknowledged the issue and are working towards a solution. They have presented various issues with restrooms, including ongoing maintenance, graffiti removal, and repair from vandalism.
