Atlanta Subway System Has a Seriously Disgusting Problem – This Is How They Plan to Solve It

Atlanta subway officials have a stinky issue on their hands that they're hoping to combat with a bit of technology.

This warning alerting riders to the urine detection system has already helped cut back on public urination incidents that were stinking up the subway system's elevators. (Image source: WSB-TV)

The problem: elevators are being treated like public urinals.

The solution: urine detectors that will have authorities catching offenders with their pants down -- literally -- and arresting them.

"If you've ever been in a Porta Potty, that's what it smelled like before," Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Director of Elevators/Escalators Tom Beebe told WSB-TV.

"The smell hits you so bad. You hold your breath just to hurry up and get off the elevator," Alicia Porter, a subway rider, told the news station.

The transit authority installed a $10,000 splash sensor system in one elevator to evaluate its efficacy. If someone begins to relieve themselves in the elevator, the police are alerted and are ready to apprehend the offender within seconds, according to WSB-TV.

Since the project began a month ago, public urination incidents have dropped.

The transit authority plans on installing the urine detection system in all of its 111 elevators, WSB-TV reported. It also reopened public restrooms at a few stations to cut down on the issue as well.

Watch WSB-TV's report:

Those who frequently use the elevator for its intended purpose are pleased that the subway system is making an effort prevent public urination and provide an appropriate option for those who really need to go.

"I think it's the greatest thing to happen since sliced bread," Willie Freeman, who rides a motor scooter and has to use the elevators, told WXIA-TV.

Featured image via Shutterstock.

(H/T: Wired)

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