DC trucks in thousands of portable inauguration toilets

January 16, 4:57 PMDC Alternative Transportation ExaminerMarc Neilson

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Beautiful DC architecture enhanced by portable
toilets

Have you been wondering where all of those inauguration goers are going to...well...go? I am pleased to report from within the "parade zone" that Washington, DC has your bottom covered (couldn't resist).

At last count, there were more than 5,000 toilets being deposited at various strategic locations around the city. I personally counted 258 around the Washington Monument. In fact, they are everywhere with concentrations along the Inaugural Parade route and the National Mall.

But when you look at the expected number of people to attend, 5,000 toilets does not seem like all that much. If there are 2 million visitors on the Mall for example, that would mean 400 people to one toilet. Hmm, not a pretty thought.

In fact, according to an article in George Washington University's publication 'Hatchet', a local professor is threatening to sue the Presidential Inauguration Committee over what he sees as an unfair disadvantage toward women. John Banzhaf, a public interest law professor, claims evenly dividing the number of toilets by gender will cause women to have to wait longer. He claims women take longer during "breaks" and will, therefore, have to wait longer in line.That is very thoughtful of him.

MSNBC has also been thoughtful by suggesting inauguration goers bring their own toilet paper. Quite frankly, that is good advice. The portable toilets will be stocked of course but toilet paper goes fast. I would also recommend bringing along some hand sanitizer for obvious reasons. I can safely say, however, that the number of portable toilets that I have observed even today, indicates that wait times should not be that bad.

If you are going, be sure and make a final decision on how you will transport yourself to the inauguration ceremony and parade as the entire downtown area will be closed to regular traffic. There are many alternative ways to get there so be creative and avoid the last Metro stop as it will surely be packed (Metro Center, Union Station). Most of all though, be prepared to enjoy this historic occasion (and conserve your liquids).