Whenever I arrive in a new city, I do a quick Google search to see where the shopping malls and libraries are located. Not because I’m desperate to go shopping or check out some books, but because those are some of the few places you can still reliably find decent public toilets these days.

But even then, there are limitations. If you’re coming home from a night out with friends or a late shift, those places won’t be open and you’ll have to hold it. It’s worse if you’re homeless or black — the security guards at the mall may follow you, if not kick you out. Even libraries in some cities are becoming more hostile to poor people.

The provision of public toilets has basically been farmed out to private companies: restaurants, bars, Starbucks. But relying on spaces designed for profit to serve everyone comes with problems. Those toilets are often locked and require a purchase for access — and that’s assuming the staff don’t find you suspect and call the cops.