I am a regular commuter and have personally experienced the discomfort of needing a restroom while being trapped on board SEPTA Regional Rail trains that were stopped between stations. This is unacceptable. It is my firm belief that all commuter rail and regional rail trains should be legally required to have on-board restrooms.

This issue affects not only me but countless other commuters as well. According to the American Public Transportation Association, Americans took 9.9 billion trips on public transportation in 2018 alone (APTA, 2018). Imagine how many of those passengers may have found themselves in urgent need of a restroom during their journey.

The lack of restrooms can also disproportionately affect certain groups such as pregnant women, elderly people, children, or individuals with certain medical conditions who may need access to a restroom more frequently.

We must advocate for basic human needs and dignity for all passengers. Therefore, we urge lawmakers to mandate the inclusion of restrooms in all commuter trains across the country. Please sign this petition if you agree that no one should be put in such an uncomfortable situation while using public transportation.