Pittsburgh Potty Initiative: Restroom Trailers Installed Downtown

PITTSBURGH, PA — A six-month pilot program to address what officials have described as an urgent need for more public restrooms in Downtown Pittsburgh launched on Saturday. Dubbed the Pittsburgh Potty Initiative, it involves the installation of two public restroom trailers Downtown.

The first trailer, located at the Gateway Center T station at Stanwix Street and Liberty Avenue , opened on Friday. The other one will open next week at the Smithfield Street and Strawberry Way.

The Gateway Center potty will have three restrooms, one being ADA accessible. The Smithfield potty will have two restrooms. Each restroom will be equipped with running water, electricity, lighting and adjustable heating and cooling.

“Public restrooms are an often overlooked but essential part of creating a welcoming environment for the thousands of people who come into Downtown every day.” Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said in a release. The partnership will oversee the potty initiative with support from the city, Allegheny County and Downtown business and property owners.

The restrooms will be open and attended seven days a week from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Each location will undergo regular servicing, monitoring and cleaning by partnership team members.

The restrooms are meant to serve as a bridge as the Building and Mangers Association works with city officials to create more permanent facilities Downtown.

"We believe adding facilities like these and other permanent accommodations the future is important to ensure a clean and enjoyable experience for our residents and residents," said Lynette Stevens Smyth, the association's executive director.