Uchikura & Co., LLC

My experience at the Sound Transit light rail station in Downtown Bellevue near NE 8th:

 

I recently learned that many Seattle Light Rail stations do not have public restrooms. Honestly, I was surprised.

 

In Japan, public restrooms are almost expected at train stations. Even small local stations often have clean and accessible facilities. It is considered part of the basic infrastructure for people using public transportation.

 

Seattle is investing billions into expanding light rail, building large parking structures, and encouraging people to use public transit. But if stations do not even provide restrooms, it feels like something important is missing.

 

People commuting to work, elderly passengers, families with children, tourists, and people with medical conditions all use public transportation. Access to restrooms should not feel like a luxury feature.

 

I understand there are concerns about maintenance, safety, vandalism, and homelessness. Those are real challenges. But Japan also has major cities, crowded stations, and social challenges, yet they still manage to provide public restrooms as part of the transit experience.

 

In fact, if you are in Japan and looking for a restroom, one of the best places to go is the nearest train station. Most stations will let you use the restroom even if you do not have a ticket.

 

Maybe this sounds like a small thing, but small things often shape how comfortable and welcoming a city feels.