It's time to bring back pay toilets

To the editor:

It makes sense for the MTA to cancel its ill-conceived subway station garbage can removal program.

In the 1960s, it was common to find both penny gum and soda machines dispensing products at many subway stations. Clean and safe bathrooms were readily available. It was a time when people respected authority and law.

Previous generations of riders did not litter subway stations and buses leaving behind gum, candy wrappers, paper cups, bottles and newspapers. No one would openly eat pizza, chicken or other messy foods while riding a bus or subway.

Everyone paid their way, and there was no fare evasion.

Fast forward to today. Commuters have to deal with conductors who close the doors while crossing the platform attempting to transfer from a local to the express train. Try looking for the proper way to dispose of your old newspaper as more trashcans are removed from more stations. Riders have to deal with aggressive panhandlers, eating as if one is at home or restaurant, those hugging two seats, yawning, coughing or sneezing without covering up, and the release of flatulence.

Gropers routinely accost women while perverts engage in other unhealthy sexual activities.

It is now time to add, not remove, the number of garbage cans. NYC Transit should consider installing separate cans for recycling newspapers, plastic and glass, along with regular garbage. Selling advertising on sides of cans could generate revenues to help cover the costs of more frequent off-peak and late-night collection and disposal.

If asked, the city sanitation department would consider doing the same on the street adjacent to subway station entrances.

There are also solutions to dealing with waiting for or riding the subway and having the “urge to go.” The odds of finding a working bathroom for relief may be too late.

Until the 1960s, most subway stations had clean, safe, working bathrooms with toilet paper. Revenues generated from a 10-cent fee helped cover the costs. Why not consider charging a fee between 25 cents and a dollar?

That would generate revenues to assign a matron along with covering security and maintenance costs. This would help provide secure, fully equipped bathrooms at most of the 471 subway stations.

Many riders would gladly pay this small price to ensure working bathrooms rather than face the current unpleasant alternatives, which contribute to dirty subways.

LARRY PENNER 

The author is a transportation historian and advocate who previously worked 31 years for the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration.