District Works worker holds sign saying "Restrooms Reopened!" in front of the Powell BART Station restroom.

Photo by BART

The first flush at the Powell BART Station in over two decades took place on February 2, marking the reopening of the station’s restroom. BART agency leaders and State Senator Scott Wiener celebrated this reopening with a press conference and a toilet paper-cutting ceremony. This reopening marks a step forward for BART in prioritizing riders’ needs and delivering a high-quality transit experience.

The Transportation Authority supported the Powell Modernization Project, which includes the restroom renovations, new lighting, and overall station improvements with funding from San Francisco’s half-cent sales tax for transportation.

BART plans to reopen restrooms for all underground stations, continuing with the Oakland 19th Street station in late February.

The remodeled restroom at Powell includes two all-gender stalls with a touchless sink stationed outside for ease of access. Full-time BART attendants will oversee the restroom for the first few months to encourage proper use of the space and offer a welcoming staff presence. The restroom will also be scheduled for cleaning at least six times a day.

 

BART official flushes the toilet as he stands next to it while giving a thumbs up.

The first flush.

Agency and city officials gather outside of the new restrooms and cut the toilet paper for the toilet paper-cutting ceremony.

Toilet-paper cutting ceremony to "roll out" the new restroom.

Man in rainbow-colored attire holds signs in front of the restroom that says "toilet access for all" and "toilets are important."

Toilet access for all!