A new report may add to the already mounting frustration over Metro's escalator woes.
WMATA's monthly report shows that in the month of May, more than 100 of the system's 588 escalators were out of service. The report looks at whether Metro's service is improving, deteriorating or remaining steady. It will be presented to the system's board of directors on Thursday.
From the report:
"485 out of 588 escalators were operating in May 2011 (based on hours of available service). This represents a significant decrease from April, with 22 less escalators in operation for the month. This is a result of large increase in maintenance for inspection repairs and unscheduled service calls."
According to Metro, escalator issues will continue for the next five years as escalators throughout the system need repair and replacement, NBC Washington's Chris Gordon reported.
On Tuesday, all three escalators at the Foggy Bottom Metro Station were out, Gordon reported. Again Wednesday morning, all three were out, and workers found flip-flops stuck in the escalators.
Performance ratings are also getting worse in other categories as well. Bus and rail on-time performance was on the decline, according to the report, and the customer injury rate is up slightly over the month of April.
Metro is now assigning maintenance teams to the busiest stations. Officials promise to fill vacant manager and supervisor positions by the end of July.
For a look at the full report, click here.
