MizPee: When You Have to Go on the Go
by
on July 15, 2007,
Every so often, a new service comes across my screen that really gets my attention. In the case of MizPee, at first glance, it's a quirky mobile app that's bound to get a giggle or two from most folks. However, if you are a parent dragging kids around for errands or a public-toilet-a-phobe always concerned about the cleanliness of bathroom facilities, add MizPee to your cell bookmarks.
The initial concept of MizPee is pretty simple; users can upload information about bathroom facilities in their city, complete with cleanliness rankings as well as letting you know whether or not a purchase is required to use the facilities.
In addition to the facilities check, however, MizPee also offers up The Toilet Paper for some reading material, which includes questions from users and sharing of any deep thoughts or interesting bathroom graffiti. Another section links you to deals in the area.
At the moment, MizPee is only available for the metro areas of New York City, Portland, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Oakland, San Jose, Seattle, and Boston/Cambridge are the only cities available at the moment, but you can submit a request to have other cities added.
A quick survey of Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis nets 52 toilets in the area, with the first few shown as pay toilets. Bathroom facilities are ranked with a 1 to 5 toilet system, with 5 having the best amenities. As niche services go, this one is handy, and at least serves a purpose. In my area, with four young children, I know where bathrooms are in our regular areas, but take me to a new town, and I'd be out of luck. MizPee is a helpful little service you should set up on your mobile phone ahead of time. Just in case.
