Wayfinding sign in the London Underground showing the location of a public washroom. (Shutterstock)
About two weeks ago, TransLink launched an online public consultation inviting the general public to submit their wish list for new and improved passenger amenities and services.
Now that the survey‘s open period is reaching its halfway point, with approximately two weeks to go until the consultation ends, the introduction of public washrooms onto the public transit network is the most common request to date. At the time of writing, roughly 10% of over 200 ideas submissions related to “washrooms” or “bathrooms.”
“These could be washrooms with on-site attendants (as seen in Europe) to deal with concerns about public safety, cleanliness or vandalism. As people’s transit commutes grow ever longer and the population ages, for the sake of public hygiene and to address human physical needs, this must happen,” reads one submission.
Lyft states the location is strategic to better support drivers, many of whom rely on their platform for flexible income opportunities.
According to the company, 23% of their drivers in Metro Vancouver reported they drove more during the pandemic because they were laid off, furloughed or had their hours or pay reduced.
Furthermore, an overwhelming proportion of drivers are People of Colour, with 44% identifying as South Asian, 29% as East Asian or Southeast Asian, and 6% as Middle Eastern, Arab, or Persian. More than half (53%) speak a language other than English at home, and over a quarter (27%) are over the age of 50.
Given the diversity of these demographics, Lyft says its Richmond hub offers services in English, Punjabi, and Mandarin.