Downtown Plagued by Bathroom Shortage

Muni's found a new way to inflict painful waits on its riders: eliminating bathrooms.

The temporary Transbay Terminal downtown was built with no bathrooms in an attempt to deter homeless loiterers, according to the Ex. For decades, the old terminal was a notorious homeless encampment.

Just before the building was demolished, Gavin Newsom himself toured the area looking for homeless people, offering them money and services if they would leave the property.

As a result of the bathroom shortage, transit users have had to explore options in surrounding establishments. Bars, restaurants, cafes, and stores have all seen a surge in members of the public bursting in with an urgent look on their face.

But relief may come from an unexpected source: AC Transit. The agency is working out a deal to open its employee bathroom to the public.

There's a catch, however. You'll need to provide proof of ridership before you can get the keys. If you've paid your fare and it's between 7am and 7pm, you'll get a set a keys to a small room at the northern end of the lot.

It's not a perfect solution, but it'll have to do for the next six years. That's when the brand new transit center is expected to be completed.