METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

San Francisco pilots 'pee-repellent' paint to stop public urination

Nine city walls feature the special paint, which sprays urine right back onto the shoes and pants of unsuspecting relief-seekers.

July 28, 2015
San Francisco pilots 'pee-repellent' paint to stop public urination

Signage posted on the walls with the urine-repellant paint. Courtesy San Francisco Public Works

1 min to read


Signage posted on the walls with the urine-repellant paint. Courtesy San Francisco Public Works

SAN FRANCISCO — Public Works crews have finished painting nine city walls with pee-repellent paint, which sprays urine right back onto the shoes and pants of unsuspecting relief-seekers, SFGate reported.

Paint and installation, which costs a couple hundred dollars for each wall, proved to be effective in Germany where it was applied to walls in Hamburg’s St. Pauli quarter, where beer drinkers often can’t be bothered to find a bathroom, according to the report. 

Ad Loading...

Public urination has long been a problem in San Francisco. Legislation banning it in 2002 but has seen little success, despite a $50-to-$500 fine, SFGate reported. Since January, there have been 375 requests to steam clean urine. For the full story, click here.

Check out this TED Talk video of Mark Shaw demoing Ultra-Ever Dry, the paint used by San Francisco's Public Works department. It is a liquid-repellent coating that acts as a shield against water and water-based materials. At the nano level, the spray covers a surface with an umbrella of air so that water bounces right off. 

More Management

An ABC motorcoach on the road.
Motorcoach•by Alex Roman•November 1, 2026

Financing, Fleet Replacement Require a More Strategic Approach

Executives from ABC Companies and MCI discuss how rising costs, changing market conditions, and post-pandemic challenges are prompting motorcoach operators to rethink financing strategies, fleet replacement cycles, and long-term planning.

Read More →
Austin Light Rail rendering from UT perspective
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 30, 2026

Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life

Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.

Read More →
Technology•October 30, 2026

ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust

ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail

The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.

Read More →
Justin Augustine III, CEO for New Orleans RTA
Management•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO

In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.

Read More →
A ballot drop-off box marked “Vote” stands in the foreground at a transit station, with public transit buses visible in the background.
Management•by Elora Haynes•October 28, 2026

How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access

Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Caltrain electric railcar on the tracks
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 27, 2026

Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth

The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.

Read More →
METRO Magazine graphic featuring a Chicago Transit Authority bus at a transit station with the headline “Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs.”
Management•by Elora Haynes•October 27, 2026

Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs

CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.

Read More →
An A line MTA subway car near the soon to be replaced signaling system.
Rail•by Staff and News Reports•October 23, 2026

New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project

Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Turning Transportation Challenges into Opportunities
Management•by Alex Roman•October 22, 2026

Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations

Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.

Read More →