Broken Escalator Theory

Metro Center escalator glass pane been shattered for weeks.13th&G Shady Grove mezz to platform. Case#: 743913 Regular inspection fail @wmata
— AreYouListeningWMATA (@ListenUpWMATA) November 7, 2012

@listenupwmata Takes appx. 4-6 weeks to replace laminated glass, each is custom. If its a safety hazard units are blocked. Reply emailed.
— @wmata (@wmata) November 9, 2012

Not the best pic, but this is the shattered glass @wmata says will take 4-6 weeks to replace. cc: @unsuckdcmetro twitter.com/ListenUpWMATA/…
— AreYouListeningWMATA (@ListenUpWMATA) November 9, 2012

Metro's response seemed odd. Surely even Metro would not order something as absurd as custom made glass panels for its escalators, so I asked an expert.

Sounds like more B.S. I believe they use 1/2" Lexan panels.  Lexan can be purchased as a sheet like plywood and cut with the same tools. If they don't have it in stock, it can be obtained locally same day or overnight shipped.

Another escalator source said leaving shattered glass like this was "rolling the dice" because if that glass shattered there's be a "significantly more expensive" cleanup and repair job not to mention injuries to riders.

@unsuckdcmetro Got a call from CS on Wed.Said it would be replaced Mon/Tue this week.This morning, there was tape on it.So, we'll see.
— AreYouListeningWMATA (@ListenUpWMATA) November 26, 2012

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