I don't really understand why the author is dumping on LA's toilets so much while praising how Parisian toilets are so useful for everyday people like commuters. The LA Metro program, which is expanding and seems to be very successful, has very different goals and challenges than the skid row public bathrooms.

"JCDeaux basically invented the idea of Street furniture"

That is a fairly strong claim on the surface and the company's website has a slightly different one:

"In 1964, Jean-Claude Decaux invented advertising street furniture."

Such a fundamental mistake in the opening paragraph. Made me realize I could not trust whatever was written afterwards.

Public restrooms are a sign of advanced civilizations. It's a pity that they have to be built to withstand damage from hooligans.