Chicago mulls transit toilets

CHICAGO, May 14 (UPI) -- The Chicago Transit Authority has long resisted calls for public restrooms but the organization's new president said he plans to review the policy.

Ron Huberman, who became CTA president May 1, said a review of the restroom policy -- the city has only one facility with public restrooms -- will be forthcoming after the state clarifies possible new funding for the transit agency, the Chicago Tribune reported Monday.

The city has long resisted calls for public restrooms. Facilities are installed at all CTA rail stations but the agency said the toilets are made available only to those customers who have medical conditions that require immediate restroom access.

"For at least the last 30 years, the restrooms have been for use by CTA employees only," transit agency spokeswoman Noelle Gaffney told the Tribune. "The CTA does not have the resources to update, maintain and monitor the facilities."