A new “Smart Restroom” pilot programme is being trialled at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport aimed at improving bathroom efficiency at airports.

The new devices are currently located by the restrooms near D9 and A17 at George Bush Airport and gates 29 and 30 at William P. Hobby Airport. Bathroom users can submit a satisfaction report using happy and sad faces based on their restroom experience. Selecting the sad face prompts the user to indicate the particular issues they encountered, including dirty stalls, wet floors and lack of toilet paper, among others.

In addition to offering a user feedback system, the Smart Restroom uses sensors to monitor passenger throughput into individual airport restrooms, allowing the airport’s custodial staff to be automatically notified when a restroom has reached a set number of users and requires cleaning.

“Passengers have repeatedly told us through customer survey results that clean and modern restroom facilities rank at or near the top of their priority list,” said Mario Diaz, aviation director at Houston Airport System, which is overseeing the trial run.

“This pilot programme is proof that we’re hearing that message and working hard to meet their expectations. By combining the hard work of our dedicated staff and this impressive technical tool, we’re confident that this pilot programme will result in a greatly enhanced overall customer experience.”

Houston Airport System will be evaluating the technology over the next few months, with additional locations expected to be added to the pilot programme in the near future.

fly2houston.com