Seattle Sound Transit: Some Escalator Failures Due to Misuse

Passenger misuse is at the root of a large portion of escalator malfunctions within the Sound Transit (ST) light rail system in Seattle, MyNorthwest reports, citing a presentation ST Vertical Conveyance Deputy Director John Carini made to the Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board. Carini said mechanical failures account for 38% of total elevator and escalator outages, misuse, 32%, and environmental issues (such as debris damaging equipment), 15%. The agency now mainly relies on the public to let it know when equipment is down, but is piloting a remote-monitoring system at Beacon Hill that provides information such as equipment status and use. It is also working to replace almost all downtown elevators and escalators.