Scan-to-Pay Mobile Toilet
A scan-to-pay mobile toilet once appeared in Fuzhou, Fujian. This toilet featured functions such as scan-to-pay and countdown timers, but it has currently been suspended from use due to controversy. Here is a detailed introduction:
I. Basic Information This mobile toilet was placed by the seaside and was a container that integrated a toilet, shower, and vending machine. Since there were no public toilets nearby on this beach, the operator privately spent over 30,000 yuan to set it up and reported and communicated with the local relevant departments.
II. Usage Process When using this toilet, one needs to first confirm that no one is inside, scan the code, and immediately push the door open to enter. Five seconds later, the toilet door automatically locks. After paying the fee (initially 10 yuan, later changed to 2 yuan), a page pops up on the mobile phone. Selecting 'Open' allows for normal use, and at the same time, the mobile phone screen displays a countdown timer. If the usage time is exceeded, one can renew the fee or choose to stop and end the order midway.
III. Reasons for Charging and Countdown Timer Settings The operator stated that the original toilet price was set at 6 yuan, but due to the large number of users, it was difficult to clean the toilet. Therefore, the price was raised to 10 yuan and clearly marked. The countdown timer system was set up to prevent long queues due to a large number of people and to prevent individuals from occupying the toilet for too long. However, even when the time is up, one can still continue to use the toilet. There is a manual lock on the inside of the toilet, and once locked, it cannot be opened from the outside.
IV. Price Adjustment and Current Status To avoid controversy, the operator has changed the price from 10 yuan to 2 yuan, but after the incident escalated, the container has been suspended from use. The local government and tourism department in the jurisdiction of Fuzhou have not yet responded to this matter.
This scan-to-pay mobile toilet is an innovative attempt aimed at solving the shortage of public toilets in specific areas. At the same time, it manages usage order and ensures toilet cleanliness and maintenance through mechanisms such as charging and countdown timers. However, it has also sparked some controversies during implementation. How to better balance the interests of all parties and improve the management mechanism in the future is worth further discussion.
