Transit Pet Peeves Holiday Edition: Escalator Ettiquiette

I’ve been meaning to write this post for awhile, and my frequent traveling over the last few months along with this SFist post (about a similar, but much more controversial escalator-use pet peeve) from earlier this week finally gave me that last little bit of motivation to start typing!

I first learned of this transit rule on one of my first rides on the Metro in DC.  If you’re not a frequent transit user, you may have experienced a similar situation at the airport as well.  So, what’s the rule?  Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT ever stand on the left side of the escalator.  Otherwise, as I found out the hard way, you will either get smacked, yelled at, or just shoved.  It’s pretty much the same for flat airport escalators that get you to those oh so far away gates, except in that situation a roller bag might be used to pummel you or just be dragged over your foot.  At least most airports warn you with paint on the escalator reading “walk / stand” or plaques like the one on the left which I encountered over the holidays.  Unfortunately, for most other transit systems you’re on your own!   At least this guy at BART figured it out (see right).  He’s safely standing on the right even though he’s the only one on it!

So, be aware, be safe, and don’t stand on the left (otherwise, Fred is going to be late for work and you might get hurt)!

Thanks and Happy New Year!