During those desperate times on late weekend nights (see: peeternity), have you ever wondered where are the restrooms in metrorail stations? Or why they don’t have any? Turns out they do, though they are hidden in the depths of the stations next to the mechanical nitty-gritties, and it seems station managers are rather selective as to who uses them. Selective, about bathroom usage? The Washington Examiner looks at the issue in today’s paper.

According to the current metrorail station policy, which was passed in 2003, usage is limited to children, the elderly and the physically disabled. Both activists and citizens associations are concerned that potty rights are being denied without justification, and convinced that such a policy breaks commercial building code. Is a metrorail station considered a commerical building? Folks are still trying to figure that one out.

Rest(room) assured, Metro Board Chairman Dana Kauffman has asked Metro’s chief of staff, Harold Bartlett to come up with some recommendations on easing the restroom access requirements without putting the safety of the stations and trains at risk. Let’s see what he’s able to come up with by early Februrary.

They say you learn at least one new thing ever day: there are hidden restrooms in metrorail stations that only some folks can use, there is policy regarding the restrooms…and who knew there is an American Restroom Association? We here at DCist are all about equality in regards to metrorail bathroom access as well as metrorail station safety; for those of you who gain access to the restroom area, do us a favor and don’t tinker with the mechanical room wires.

Picture taken by brownpau.