Metro's general manager said the transit agency should have paid more attention to escalator brakes as a safety issue, not just a maintenance issue.
The transit agency review of escalator and elevator maintenance released Wednesday show years of failing to keep up with standards has led to the current state. Interim General Manager Richard Sarles said the issue should have been brought to the attention of Metro board sooner.
The release of an advance copy of the 300-page review on Wednesday comes in the wake of an escalator accident that injured six people last month. The crowded L'Enfant Plaza escalator unexpectedly accelerated, then stopped, causing a pileup of falling riders.
Metro is currently inspecting brakes on its 588 escalators.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
