Yesterday morning at the Lexington Ave/53rd St station on the E line, a wheelchair user bravely took the escalator down to the platform. He popped a wheelie and held on two both sides of railing while riding down. His companion held on to the back of his chair but the man was clearly comfortable and in control.
Fellow commuters started yelling from above to step aside so they could walk down the elevators (typical commom courtesy is the left side is for walking and right side for standing) but were quickly embarrassed when they saw the situation.
As the man from Kingsbridge, the Bronx explained to me the station’s elevator is unbearably stinky and riding the escalator is the only way to go.
No word yet from the Transit Authority if this violates any rules. The only mention of escalators in the TA rule book (Section 1050.6), says:
“In no event will an activity be permitted in a location which interferes with the access onto or off of an escalator, stairway or elevator, or otherwise interferes with or impedes transit services or the movement of passengers.”
Michael Harris of the Disabled Riders Coalition called the practice "unsafe."
“It is more common than you'd think. I don't condone it but I understand it. Subway elevators really do have a tremendous stench. It's an ongoing problem," he said.
-- Chuck Bennett
