City releases Metro toilet standards

The Shenzhen Market Supervision Administration recently released the Metro toilet design and management standards, which will be implemented from Jan. 1 to further improve the experience and service for riders. 

The new standards, compiled on the base of the experiences and achievements of Shenzhen Metro Group, marked an advancement of the Metro company in public toilet services. The standards, once implemented, will further improve Shenzhen's Metro construction standards and operational service quality.

The new standards set requirements for the selection and renovation of public toilets at Metro stations, and specify design rules for toilet partitions, children's service facilities and other auxiliary facilities. It also defines the design requirements for air conditioning, ventilation and use of environmentally friendly materials in the toilets. 

Since the launch of the "toilet revolution" in 2017, Shenzhen Metro Group had renovated 82 old public toilets on Lines 1, 2, 3, and 5 from 2018 to 2020. In 2022, the company introduced design and management standard for public toilets at Metro stations. The Metro system has 1,371 toilets at 395 Metro stations, accounting for 9% of the city's 4500 public toilets. The number of baby care rooms has increased to 136, providing quality service for riders.  

A view of a barrier-free toilet for disabled people. File photos

Based on the function requirements, the company provides barrier-free toilets, equipped with door locks with voice prompts and intelligent indicator lights, and safety devices such as emergency call alarms to provide citizens with a safer and more convenient service experience. The public toilets are equipped with high and low wash basins, automatic sensor faucets, mirror lights, free tissues, and the frequency of fragrance spraying from air fresheners is set according to the train arrival schedules. 

At some big stations like Chegongmiao Station, the toilets provide information on temperature, air quality, passenger flow, and toilet occupancy status through electronic screens, effectively enhancing citizens' experience of public toilet services.

A mother and baby room with basic convenience facilities.

To support the construction of a child-friendly city, the company has upgraded and renovated the mother and baby rooms in various aspects such as basic convenience facilities such as hand washing sinks, baby beds, baby seats, milk warmers, water dispensers, and dryers. There are also convenient facilities such as bottle sterilizers, baby seats, hanging racks, and wet thermometers provided.