Two escalator treads sit beside the Dupont South metro escalator waiting to be installed. As is probably the case with most escalators, it seems the D.C. Metro escalators are in need of constant repair. That's no surprise, since they run 24/7. I have an idea to save the city money: Turn the escalators off in the early morning and late night hours when they're not used as much. Install a motion-sensitive device at the top and bottom that will allow the escalators to start when someone steps on, but will allow them to stop if no one has ridden for a few minutes. It might not save much, but every bit counts, right?

FYI: If you simply ride the Dupont North escalator (meaning, if you don't actually walk up any steps under your own power and just stand there the whole way up), the trip from top to bottom takes over two minutes. If you walk up the whole way at a moderate pace, it takes less than 30 seconds. Just FYI.