Metro Taipei Adjusts Escalators Speeds for Efficiency

Metro Taipei in Taiwan increased the speed of some escalators at high-traffic stations to improve efficiency, reports Taiwan News. The speed of 47 upward escalators at 29 major stations will gradually increase from 0.5 m/s to 0.65 m/s to boost each escalator’s capacity by an additional 22 passengers per minute. Based on international benchmarks, Metro Taipei determined that the maximum escalator speed in metro systems is about 0.75 m/s, and in a 2017 trial speed adjustment, it was found that the increased speed effectively reduced passenger wait times without a significant increase in injuries. Signs were installed next to the 47 escalators to warn passengers of the increased speed, advising them to hold the handrails and stand firmly on the steps.