Metro News Release
For immediate release: November 9, 2007
Metro Promotes Escalator and Elevator Safety During Escalator/Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week
During National Escalator/Elevator Safety Awareness Week, Metro reminds riders of the importance of elevator and escalator safety. Commemorating its 14th year, this national safety program educates people about key safety practices when using elevators and escalators.
As part of the weeklong campaign, (November 11 to 17) Metro will provide safety awareness information at the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metrorail station on Tuesday, November 13, from 8 to 9 a.m., at the Metro Center Metrorail station on Wednesday, November 14, from 8 to 9 a.m., and the Union Station Metrorail station on Thursday, November 15, from 4 to 5 p.m.
“Safety is our number one priority and it is important for Metro to ensure that all customers are aware of proper safety precautions while using escalators and elevators,” said Polly Hanson, Metro’s Assistant General Manager for Safety, Security and Emergency Management. “This yearly program is a reminder to our customers that safety comes first.”
As part of this year’s National Elevator/Escalator Safety Awareness Week celebration, Metro will highlight current investments to improving the reliability and availability of elevators and escalators throughout the system.
At the end of September, the Metro Board approved an initiative to upgrade 65 elevators under a four-year, $13.9 million contract. From fiscal years 2008 to 2012, Metro elevators approaching the 20-year mark will be overhauled to extend the life of the units to make them more reliable for customers. Under the current midlife overhaul program for elevators, 96 elevators will be rehabilitated by next summer (2008), when the contract and funding for the six-year capital program ends. To date, 75 elevators have been rehabbed under this program.
Currently, 96.5 percent of Metro’s elevators are available for use on an average day. Metro maintains and operates 265 elevators, of which 230 are used daily by Metro passengers. The remainder can be found in Metro’s non-passenger facilities such as rail yards and office buildings.
Metro is also in the second year of a six-year program to rehabilitate 206 escalators systemwide at a cost of $50 million. Typically, it takes two to three months to modernize each unit. Modernization of escalator units has improved service reliability over the last several years. Escalator reliability has improved from an average of 89 percent in 2001 to an average of 93 percent in 2006. There are a total of 588 escalators at 86 Metrorail stations.
Metro reminds customers of these important escalator safety tips:
• Hold onto the handrail at all times.
• Never sit on an escalator.
• Never place wheelchairs, strollers or bicycles on escalators. Use the elevators.
• Never place excessive baggage on escalators. Use the elevators.
• Patrons should not crowd at the top or bottom of escalators.
• Always keep shoelaces tied.
• Never ride barefoot on an escalator.
• Never run down or run up escalators.
• Do not allow children to play on escalators.
Metro reminds customers of these important elevator safety tips:
• Always watch your step when entering and exiting an elevator.
• Do not try to stop elevator doors while they are closing.
• If the elevator doors do not open, press the “Call” button to speak to the station manager.
• Stand clear of door – keep clothes and carry-ons away from the opening.
• Be considerate. Keep elevator clean for passenger comfort.
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News release issued at 12:00 am, November 9, 2007.