King County Metro pilots new Throne public restrooms at Aurora Village, Burien transit centers

Riders who need to use a restroom have new accessible, secure facilities at Aurora Village and Burien transit centers as part of a pilot project with Throne Labs.

The restrooms are accessible for people using mobility devices and available 24/7 at these locations by using an app, text message, or tap card.

Metro developed this regional pilot with Throne Labs, the Seattle Department of Transportation, and Pierce Transit to trial an innovative approach to providing safe, clean, and reliably accessible public restrooms.

The new restrooms measure 7-feet wide by 8-feet long and replace the previous plastic portable toilets that had been in place since January 2024.  With the new units, Throne manages access, accountability for appropriate use, routine cleaning, and maintenance. The units are climate controlled with more than 21 sensors to detect smoke, usage, supply levels, and send an alert if there are security concerns.

Several ways to open the secured restroom door

Customers who want to use the restrooms can enter them by using a text, app or tap card.

• Scan the QR Code posted on the restroom to automatically generate a text message for access. An access code will be sent to your phone in the preferred language customer identifies.
• Text Throne and the unit number to 202-751-3694 to receive an access code.
• Use the Throne Bathroom Network app to find restrooms in the network and open the door.
• For people who do not have a phone, a tap card can be obtained from Behavioral Health staff who are on-site throughout the week. If Behavioral Health staff are not on site, Metro’s Transit Security Officers who are on site 24/7 at each location can tap someone in. Behavioral Health staff are currently on site at each location:
  • Burien Transit Center: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Aurora Village Transit Center: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Metro will monitor and evaluate usage, customer satisfaction, accessibility, and safety as part of the pilot project. Feedback or concerns about the restroom units can be shared with Throne via their app or via a survey sent to each customer after use.