Movable Toilets in Foreign Subways

Currently, only the Moscow subway has explicitly piloted the installation of movable toilets, with no similar facilities reported in subway systems of other countries. Here is a detailed breakdown of the information:

Pilot of 'Eco-Toilets' in the Moscow Subway In 2023, the Moscow subway introduced independent 'eco-toilets' (bio toilets) at Prospekt Mira station for the first time, which are self-contained movable toilets. Their key features include:

1. No external connections required: They adopt a waterless design and treat waste through biodegradation technology, eliminating the need for connection to sewage or drainage pipes, making them suitable for the limited space within subway stations.
2. Smart management: Equipped with item-loss alarms and overuse alarms to enhance safety during use; passengers can use them for free with their subway cards, integrated with the subway ticketing system.
3. Pilot nature: Currently operational only at Prospekt Mira station, it is the first public toilet pilot among the 196 stations of the Moscow subway, with no clear indication yet of whether it will be extended to other stations.

Current Toilet Configurations in Subways of Other Countries

1. New York Subway: It has been described as a 'train like a movable public toilet,' but this actually refers to the dirty and disordered environment of the train cars, not the presence of movable toilet facilities. The New York subway has a limited number of traditional fixed toilets at stations, and their hygiene conditions are often criticized.
2. Other cities in Europe and Asia: Most subway systems rely on fixed toilets at stations, with no reported introduction of movable toilets. For example, some stations of the London subway have traditional public toilets, but they require payment for use; the Tokyo subway meets demand by optimizing station design (e.g., increasing toilet density).

Common Features of Foreign Movable Toilets (Non-subway scenarios) Although their application in subway systems is limited, foreign movable toilet technologies are relatively mature, with common types including:

• Independent single units: Suitable for temporary events or remote areas, equipped with basic sanitary facilities;
• Trailer-mounted toilets: North America prefers large-capacity models, emphasizing durability to cope with extreme weather;
• Eco-friendly types: Such as composting toilets and waterless designs, reducing pollution through biological decomposition or chemical treatment. Some high-end models also integrate solar lighting and automatic cleaning functions, but these technologies have not been widely applied in subway scenarios.

In conclusion, the pilot in the Moscow subway is the only verifiable case of movable toilets in subways currently, and its eco-design may provide a reference for future upgrades of subway sanitary facilities, but a global trend has not yet emerged.