Escalators and Elevators

Metro's escalators and elevators provide access to the transit system's many underground stations and to station platforms. Metro has the most escalators (588) and elevators (237 in stations and parking garages) of any transit system in North America.

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  Plan your trip

  Find out which escalators and elevators are under repair today, why repairs are needed and when the units are expected to be back in service.

  • Use the service status tool to find out if there is an escalator or elevator out of service at a Metrorail station you will be visiting today, why repairs are needed and when the unit is expected to be back in service. Take note of the location within the station so you can plan accordingly.
  • For Metro riders who rely on elevators, sign up for ELstat, Metro's elevator status application, to receive advance alerts of scheduled elevator outages. In the event of an elevator outage that prevents a rider from exiting at his/her preferred station, ask the station manager for shuttle service to that station. Use these tips to circumvent out-of-service elevators via center platform stations.
  • While in a Metro station, listen for public address announcements about elevator and escalator outages and check station platform displays for more information.
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  Ride safely

  Learn safety tips to prevent injury on a Metro escalator or in an elevator, and what to do in the event of an emergency.

  • To ensure your safety and the safety of your fellow riders, these tips are provided for traveling on Metro escalators and elevators.
  • In the event of an escalator emergency, push the emergency stop buttons at the top or bottom of the escalator. The escalator will stop and an alarm will sound. Signs on the escalator explain the use of these buttons and warn against misuse.
  • In an elevator, use the provided phone or intercom system to reach assistance. In the event of a fire, use an escalator or stairs – do not use the elevator.
  • For more information on escalator and elevator safety, view websites for children and adults, sponsored by the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation.
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  Learn about Metro's maintenance program

  Each escalator and elevator is made up of thousands of parts, and requires ongoing maintenance to continue working properly.

  • While every attempt is made to keep escalators and elevators in service while Metrorail is open, some units must be repaired during the day. See reasons why units go out of service.
  • View a map to see where Metro’s 588 escalators and 238 elevators are located.
  • Metro is working to improve its escalator and elevator performance. The Scorecard provides a system-wide perspective of escalator and elevator availability (updated monthly), including why performance changed and actions to improve performance.
  • In June 2010, Interim General Manager Richard Sarles directed that a review of the elevator/escalator maintenance program be conducted. The assessment, conducted by Vertical Transportation Excellence (VTX), can be found here. VTX will return in May 2011 to validate that actions have been taken to address assessment findings.