The MTA has a problem. It has fallen behind on maintenance of existing escalators in subway stations. “Escalators are one of the most difficult things for the agency to fix.” It will take millions of dollars to fix and is now being pushed to the private developers for funding. In addition to maintenance costs for escalators the MTA also pays electricity and maintenance for elevators.
The MTA’s problem may be the perfect opportunity for Jesús Sánchez, an industrial-design student at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. He recently patented an energy efficient escalator that can also accomodate wheelchairs with the push of a button.
If this product can easily or cheaply be maintainted I think it could help replace all old escalators and elevators in the NYC subway system. He should provide his proposal to Zeckendorf Towers, the company that built the Union Square escalators who “recently agreed to pony up for the millions of dollar in repairs.” I think he could have investors and NYC straphangers could have properly working escalators before you know it.
Quoted article.
Escalator background article.
