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.Other items:
— AreYouListeningWMATA (@ListenUpWMATA) November 26, 2012
Teens charged in Metro stabbing (Examiner)
Whistleblower faced retaliation (Examiner)
Anon · 641 weeks ago
Everyday reader · 641 weeks ago
russell.j.coller.jr · 641 weeks ago
WMATA EPIC RAGE · 641 weeks ago
It's a bit of an issue because they are "rehabbing" the next escalator on that platform (have been since sept), so there is only one escalator (read: stairs) to function for up/down from platform to mezzanine/faregates on the 13th and G side. My guess is they haven't fixed the glass because there is only one functioning exit on that side, and they'd have to do it after hours. We all know metro doesn't do work after hours.
C S · 641 weeks ago
Sloth-like pace of repairs aside, it appears there is a glass-smashing phantom on the loose in Metro Center. Regular users of the station have seen a number of broken panels on several different escalators in recent months.
Hal · 641 weeks ago
Jason · 641 weeks ago
On an unrelated note, it was absolutely critical to do weekend construction service for Veteran's Day despite all the people who don't get that holiday, yet the Metro was actually pleasant to use this Thanksgiving weekend thanks to lack of construction. Over/under on doing them doing this based on wanting to look good for the tourists?
dhdf · 641 weeks ago
Jason · 641 weeks ago
People would probably appreciate the transparency and the statement of "we don't want to waste money". But instead they just lie about it. And unlike the escalator glass there's really nothing indefensible to cover up here.
anon · 641 weeks ago
guest · 641 weeks ago
http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2012/11/nick-frank/?...
(wow!)
John · 641 weeks ago
fixwmata 105p · 641 weeks ago
http://twitter.com/FixWMATA/status/27346326093680...
This flange of metal is just waiting to be caught on a bag and we'll get a repeat of L'Enfant. This escalator was going up - meaning bags would catch that metal - if it was going down it might be less of a threat.
Meanwhile - across the tracks there were workers working on the escalator on the northbound platform.
Consider this: the escalator problems are the problems we can see - imagine the safety issues with trains/tracks, etc that we can't see.
Anon · 641 weeks ago
Another Nick · 641 weeks ago
anon · 641 weeks ago
Anon · 641 weeks ago
Please get a dictionary and look up logic.
n2deep · 641 weeks ago
also the source in this article is wrong. it is not half inch lexan. lexan does not break.
As for the supposed long change out times on the broken escalator glass, I am not sure....not my department. but logically you have to take into account the length of the escalator units. i am sure the panels along the main parts are all the same dimensions. and are universal throughout. but the end panels on the top or bottom are different sizes.
this is a design issue from when the system was built. architectural designs was the driving force back then. nearly everything had to be visually appealing and unique. there were tons of awards handed out for the designs of the system back in the day. maintenance was not a consideration from what i have seen around here.
UnSuck Fan · 641 weeks ago