The escalator canopy under construction at the Woodley Park metro stop. (At right is a full view of the canopy.) I know Dupont South got one of these not long ago, and I noticed one at the Stadium/Armory stop on the Orange line the other day when I was visiting the jail. I'm not sure, but it looks like maybe WMATA has decided to cover all the escalators that were formerly exposed to the rain and snow. Sort of: The plans call for canopies almost everywhere, but why nothing for the Dupont North escalator? That one has one of the longest stretches of exposed escalator ride I can think of. That aside, perhaps these canopies will keep the escalators from breaking down so often.

Here's another idea to help prolong escalator life:It drives me nuts to see three escalators humming at most stations early mornings and late at night when almost no one is riding them! So I suggest that WMATA should install motion sensors at the top and bottom of each escalator. Then set the escalators to turn themselves off when no one is on them. That will save wear and tear and energy, and that will save WMATA money, and that's good for everyone, right?