Are you planning to design or renovate public washrooms in a subway station?
Subway stations are used daily by thousands of people, but users flows are often fast-moving, intermittent and not always predictable. Some passengers only spend a few minutes there, some are waiting for a connection, while others travel with children or elderly relatives; some users might have disabilities or work within the station itself. All of them may need access to restroom facilities.
Public restrooms in subway stations contribute to the perceived quality of the environment, as well as its safety and comfort.
At SANO2 SOLUTIONS, we support authorities, administrators and designers in identifying state-of-the-art restroom solutions that enhance both public spaces and people’s every day experience.
A GUIDE TO INSTALLING PUBLIC WASHROOMS IN SUBWAY STATIONS
Why are public restrooms in subway stations essential?
Subway stations are high-pressure, high-traffic environments, are constantly moving and rarely stay for long periods. Passenger flows vary depending on the time of day, events, delays, weekdays or holydays. In such environments, a restroom that is unused can quickly become heavily frequented, creating sudden peak usage that is difficult to predict. In addition to this, subway stations present several specific challenges, such as:
- enclosed or underground spaces,
- the need for clear and intuitive routes,
- a high risk of misuse or vandalism,
- logistic difficulties during maintenance operations.
In this context, a poorly-maintained restroom can quickly become a critical issue, contributing to the perception of an unsafe and neglected environment, to be avoided, and ultimately compromizing the overall quality of the station. For this reason, simply providing a washroom facility is not enough. What is needed is an innovative solution, genuinely designed for people and capable of supporting an intensive, continuous and unpredictable use.
Which features should washrooms in subway stations have?
They should be easy to find and to use and consistently hygienic. Passengers who need a restroom in a subway station often have limited time, and move through a crowded, underground environment. They need to understand immediately whether facilities are available, how to access them, how to use them and how to leave without difficulty. For this reason, all SANO2 SOLUTIONS products include touch-free sensors, pictograms, backlit signage, low-energy automatic LED lighting and emergency lights in case of power failure. These features are designed to reduce uncertainty and make the user experience safe and intuitive, even for elderly people, children, users with disabilities and tourists. In underground or poorly lit environments, in fact, safety and functionality strongly influence users’ trust: a dark or damaged restroom is likely to be avoided even if it is technically operational.
Another essential aspect is the washroom’s ability to withstand intensive use. Traditional facilities rely on manual cleaning and can deteriorate rapidly. SANO2 SOLUTIONS self-cleaning solutions, on the other hand, activate automatic sanitization cycles after each use, ensuring that the environment remains clean and welcoming at all times.
SANO2 SOLUTIONS self-cleaning washrooms for subway stations: which solution should you choose?
We recommend the S5 series, the most advanced solution of our self-cleaning range. S5 facilities are designed for high-footfall environments, where cleanliness, safety and functionality must be guaranteed even during periods of intense and unpredictable use, exactly as in underground stations. After each use, S5 technology activates an automatic cleaning cycle that refreshes the entire environment. The SLEDTECH® device sanitizes and dries the washroom through a translating system which guarantees a consistent and effective cleaning. Floors are also automatically washed through a dedicated collection and sanitization system. Finally, the SCRUBBER® device completes the cycle by drying the floors and mechanically removing debris or objects from the user area. In addition, the entire S5 series features SANO2 CONNECT® telemetry system for remote monitoring. Administrators can monitor washroom status, consumables levels, access frequency, anomalies and maintenance requirements, enabling rapid response times as well as optimized and preventive intervention.
Compared with traditional restrooms ‒ where quality often depends on the conditions left by the previous user, as well as the frequency of manual cleaning ‒ SANO2 SOLUTIONS self-cleaning facilities introduce completely different approach: public washrooms are no longer spaces people use reluctantly; they become controlled, sanitized and ready- to- use environments.
Can SANO2 SOLUTIONS self-cleaning washrooms be integrated into existing subway station restroom facilities?
If the subway station already includes restroom facilities, SANO2 SOLUTIONS can provide interior self-cleaning solutions designed to renovate existing environments and transform them into automatic washrooms that are easier to use and manage. This operation is particularly useful in subway stations, where installing entirely new facilities can be complex and where every intervention must consider operational schedules, safety routes, technical access and architectural constraints. In these situations, renovating existing spaces makes it possible to improve the service without disrupting the station’s organization. We integrate SANO2 SOLUTIONS facilities into pre-existing environments, customizing each of them according to dimensions and structure of the restroom, as well as operational and management requirements. In this way, renovation becomes a practical and strategic choice: it enhances existing spaces, reduces interferences with daily station operations and introduces an automatic, innovative and reliable service for all users.
Public washrooms in subway station: how can vandalism and improper use be prevented?
Public washrooms in subway stations are often exposed to a wide variety of users, and not all of them treat facilities respectfully. For this reason, restroom design must minimize all vulnerable elements, including fragile components, protruding parts, easily damaged surfaces, and areas prone to tampering and vandalism. SANO2 SOLUTIONS public washrooms are specifically designed to maximize durability, safety and resistance. The stainless steel washbasin, for example, is integrated into the wall to reduce the risk of damage and misuse. All other components follow the same principal: vandal-resistant mirror, built-in waste bins and touch-free, fire-resistant paper towel dispenser. Preventing vandalism also involves controlling access and monitoring occupancy. Series S5 restrooms incorporate highly precise electronic weight sensors, with a tolerance of less than one kilogram, capable of detecting whether the cubicle is occupied by a child, an adult, or more than one person. In the latter case, an emergency mode is activated to help prevent improper use of the facility. In subway station environments, these preventive measures help ensure a consistently safe and reliable experience for all users.
Cost of public washrooms in subway stations: how much does a SANO2 SOLUTIONS product costs?
We do not offer standard pricing for subway station installations, as each project depends on the specific characteristics of the site and the installation context. Several factors influence the quotation, including the solution chosen, the configuration of the spaces, the number of units required, the possible renovation of existing facilities, the level of automation and the operational requirements of the management team.
For this reason, every SANO2 SOLUTIONS washroom is custom-designed. We evaluate each project according to the actual condition of the environment, the management objectives and the type of user experience to be delivered. In subway stations, in fact, restroom facilities are an investment on the quality of service, operational continuity, perceived safety and the overall quality of a highly-traffic public environment.
To configure your SANO2 SOLUTIONS self-cleaning in subway stations, fill the form below or contact us directly: we will analyze your project and help you identify the most suitable solution.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about SANO2 SOLUTIONS washrooms
What facilities and types of washrooms can you provide?
We understand that each context has specific needs and requires bespoke solutions. That is why our range includes:
- Washrooms that can be integrated into existing premises, ensuring maximum adaptability to the space available.
- Precast freestanding outdoor structures
- Washrooms without connections when sewer, water and electricity are not available
Our solutions are designed to meet every need: whether you need several washrooms in a single room or individual washrooms, we at SANO2 SOLUTIONS we have the ideal project for your space.
Once you have defined the structure, choose the most suitable type of washroom: without connections, traditional or self-cleaning, at SANO2 SOLUTIONS you will find each of these solutions and all the support you need.
I do not have a drainage, water or electricity. Can you provide me with washrooms without plumbing?
Absolutely! Our S0 range of off-grid toilets is designed for areas that are far from water, sewerage and electricity. SANO2 SOLUTIONS’ Bathroom Zero allows you to install a prefabricated bathroom, that is accessible to the disabled, more durable than a chemical toilet and more versatile than a traditional bathroom. Bathroom Zero has a waste water tank to compensate for the lack of a sewer connection, a water storage tank connected to a rainwater collection system, and two photovoltaic panels to generate the electricity needed to light the bathroom. Plumbing-free solutions are highly valued by users for their added value as eco-friendly and sustainable bathrooms.
When it comes to materials, fittings and finishes, you are spoilt for choice! Visit the design page of our projects!
What kind of access can I install in the washrooms?
Entrance and exit systems for the washrooms depend on the needs of the customers and the area, which is why we offer several options.
Access can be free or paid, coin-operated or contactless with Nayax readers (you decide how much to set!).
Again, you can choose the access system by reading a QR code, a tax code or a EuroKey.
Do you want to buy a public washroom privately or do you want to respond to a public tender with your washroom project?
Whether you want to buy a public washroom as a private individual or you need a public washroom project for a tender, perhaps as a construction company, architect or town hall technician, at SANO2 SOLUTIONS we design public washrooms of all types, from those without plumbing to self-cleaning models.
As a global company, one of our main values is to respect the context, the regulations in each country, but above all, to respect the needs of the customer.
Tell us about your project, SANO2 SOLUTIONS will come to you and find solutions for all your needs.
Do you build Accessible Washrooms? Can I choose the equipment?
At SANO2 SOLUTIONS we design, build and install Accessible Washroom And Unisex Washroom. Accessibility is a core value for us and has always been a part of our offering. As an international company, when we design and build washrooms for people with disabilities, we always take care to comply with applicable regulations: each country has its own dimensions, equipment, access and measures designed specifically designed for safe use by people with reduced mobility.
Our public washrooms are fully customisable, you choose the layout. For example, we can include instructions in Braille or record voice commands in the washroom, we can install the hand shower next to the washroom or include SOS buttons easily accessible from the seat.
You can rely on our experience in the industry and our knowledge of public disabled washroom regulations.
Can I get a maintenance contract for my washroom? How do you manage washrooms?
Of course you can! We guarantee the maintenance of our self-cleaning washrooms through our All In maintenance service, which is an integral part of our offer. In addition, we can offer a range of maintenance packages on request, depending on your specific needs.
Our All In maintenance service includes:
- Routine maintenance: cleaning and replenishment of consumables, typically twice a month
- Predictive maintenance: thanks to our powerful remote control tool we can intervene before components fail, reducing the time the washroom is inefficient.
- Technical maintenance: carried out by specialised technicians, it involves checking all the automatisms, usually once a month.
- Telephone support: active on working days, we provide assistance and intervene on the washroom, thanks to remote control, solving most of the problems.
Do you have a guarantee on your washrooms? For how many years?
Yes, all our washrooms are covered by a guarantee. By law, the warranty on manufacturing defects is one year, but we at SANO2 SOLUTIONS have decided to extend it to 2 years to give you greater peace of mind and security in your investment.