Experience with Indian Public Washrooms
When I was visiting India recently, I witnessed many’Pay as you Go’ type of public toilets. The ones which I saw were located near amusement parks and places where large groups of people gather. I never seen one of these before, so I went to one. There were 2 people sitting in front of a table with tickets in a pile. He just looked at me, but didn’t say anything. I said I need to use the washroom, He said urinal or toilet? I said urinal, he asked me how many people, and I said 2(since I took my son). He gave me a ticket, which said’Urinal, 1 Rs’. Apparently, it costs 5 Rs for the toilet. I guess it costs them more to clean the toilet than the urinal.
I must say that overall, the place was very clean. It didn’t smell like the usual public washrooms. Also, the sinks and counter tops were very clean with no water all over the place. There were about 4 toilets and 4 urinals. Not busy at all. I have been to other public washrooms, like the ones adjoining the gas station. There was only 1 toilet and I had to hold my breath while I went.
I don’t know if this’Pay as you Go’ is a new concept in India, but I don’t mind giving out 1 Rs for a better washroom experience. Whoever thought of this is a genius:)
Experience with Canadian/American Public Washrooms
When I am on a long trip, especially ones that take more than 3 hours, it is inevitable that one has to stop for a washroom break. I drive to the U.S. quite often, and there are many’rest stops’ along the major interstate highway. The public washrooms are clean overall, since there are staff who clean them on a regular basis. The U.S. interstate highways are visited by many tourists, so they try to keep a good public image by keeping the washrooms in a tidy manner.
Also, there are signs posted in the washroom which says that employees must wash their hands before returning to work. Many of these tourist public washrooms are in place which has many restaurants.
In Canada, I use the public washroom at the train station, when I take the train to go downtown. These washrooms are spotless, since they are owned by the transit commission and they have people who are constantly cleaning the place as necessary. Well, that is my experience with both Indian and Canadian/American public washrooms.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Public Washrooms
Never assume that everything is super clean, take a cloth and wipe the seat. Better yet, put some toilet paper on the seat before sitting down.
Make sure you flush afterwards.
Don’t drink the tap water
If something sticks to your shoe, try to clean it off before leaving the washroom
practice holding your breath before going inside if you suspect it is going to be a smelly place
Don’t take longer than necessary