Focus on Escalators and Moving Walks

Maintaining and Escalators in the Transit Environment, Part 1 by Tim Eason These systems are a combination Learning Objectives of heavy- and light-rail trains, as well After reading this article, you as and para-transit equipment. should have learned: ♦ The equipment used in U.S. transit Trains and are often thought to systems is subjected to far greater be their most critical and important usage than any equipment found pieces of equipment. This is true to in any of the busiest high-rise office an extent, but the often-neglected ele- and even most shop- vator and/or escalator takes the patron ping malls on the busiest holiday from the entry level of a system to its shopping period. track or bus-bay levels to gain access ♦ The standard escalator has its to those buses and trains. Then, the motor and brake at the top of the same equipment often the machine, while the modular esca- traveler to the desired floor at his or lator has a number of modules her destination. Some of it sees in extending along the incline, excess of 8,000 riders per day. Not depending upon the rise of the counted in this figure are the many escalator. pieces of internal and construction ♦ Having different vertical-trans- equipment elevators are often used portation equipment suppliers can to . foster competition, but there are Equipment Type and Design downsides to this practice. The elevators and escalators found ♦ Why many transit agencies defer in transit systems are subjected to far replacement or major repair of greater usage than any equipment elevators and escalators found in any of the busiest high-rise ♦ How exposure, usage and load- office buildings and even most shop- ing differ between transit sys- ping malls on the busiest holiday tems and commercial/office/ shopping period. In addition to this retail buildings high usage, these units are subjected to This article is part of WORLD’s Continuing Education program. Elevator-industry strong environmental and non-envi- Mass transit found in many major personnel required to obtain continuing-education ronmental conditions rarely seen in metropolitan cities is an intermodal net- credits can receive one hour of credit by reading commercial applications. Most major work connecting bus, rail, automobile the article and completing the assessment exami- escalator manufacturers, both cur- and air modes. These modes can be in nation questions found on page 125. rent and no longer in business, are subway, elevated and at-grade forms. For this article and more continuing-education represented in these systems. Eleva- This transportation is critical for daily opportunities, visit www.elevatorbooks.com. tors produced by these manufacturers, commuting, and intercity and inter-

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as well as a longer list of medium- OF ELEVATOR CONTRACTORS ® national . These systems started Approved by NAEC sized and small elevator manufac- CERTIFIED ELEVATOR TECHNICIAN in the mid 1800s in and EDUCATION PROGRAM turers, are also present. Boston, spreading throughout the The Westinghouse Modular 100 Approved by NAESA Northeast to Philadelphia and west International to Chicago. Later, in the mid to late escalator is one of the most prominent 1900s, systems were built in Washing- in many large transit systems in the U.S. For example, there are 121 of these Approved by QEI Services, Inc. ton, D.C., , Los Angeles and . Now, they can also be in the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Approved for States of AR, FL, found in other cities, such as Dallas, Transit Authority system (MARTA) in KY, PA, VA, WV Seattle, Baltimore and Miami. Atlanta, making up more than 81% of Continued 96 | WWW.ELEVATORWORLD.COM | December 2012 Focus on Escalators and Moving Walks Continued its 149 escalators. Approximately 50% while the Modular has a number of in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. of the escalators in the Bay Area Rapid modules extending along the incline, The sheer number of Westinghouse Transit system (BART) are Westing- depending on the height rise of the escalators in use has kept their parts’ house, and the - equipment, each module containing availability rather strong, and they politan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) a separate motor and brake. Escala- are still manufactured and stocked has 430 (73%) Westinghouse Modu- tors with a single module are used by both Schindler’s parts group and lar 100 units in its system, with more for short applications found mostly other industry-equipment suppliers. in the New York City Transit and Chi- at the interior mezzanine and track Still, maintenance for older elevators cago Transit Authority systems. Most levels, while the deeper station en- and escalators is very labor intensive, of these were installed in the early trances or elevated platforms typi- and, unfortunately, the pool of tech- 1970s through the mid to late 1980s. cally have between two and five nicians with experience maintaining Ann Scott Tyson of the Washington modules, and sometimes more. The those units is being lost as the older Post, quoting an industry consultant Modular also uses a unique step- mechanics are retiring from or other- indicating widespread dissatisfaction driving system comprised of a drive wise leaving the industry. In addition with the performance of the Westing- chain on each side of the escalator to these labor issues, parts support for house escalator, pointed out: with axles spanning between the the other three manufacturers has a “The Washington Metro may be the chains. This design is more com- rapidly dwindling availability through- world’s largest owner of an outmoded monly referred to as a rack-and-axle out the world, and it can take upward and problematic type of escalator, one system, or simply “the rack.” of six months to have parts manufac- that has had brake-failure accidents Each module, including its corre- tured, if they can be replicated at all. in other transit systems and is known sponding motors and brakes, must One of the main reasons is that there among experts for requiring a high be adjusted to share the load across are relatively few in our systems, and level of maintenance.” all modules to reduce uneven wear manufacturing special parts on such It is true that the Westinghouse of the motors, brakes and rack. This a small scale is very expensive, if not Modular can be problematic and is adjustment process is commonly re- cost prohibitive. This fact has caused maintenance intensive; however, we ferred to in the industry as “load many systems like WMATA and MARTA must also remember that it was the sharing.” Proper load sharing of the to begin planning for the replacement best-engineered and most cost- Westinghouse Modular is one of the of all their O&K and APV escalators. effective solution for the needs of many most critical maintenance issues with On the elevator front, Schindler also systems at the time (early 1970s- that design. I would venture to say that purchased Haughton Elevator. US 1980s). No standard escalator design few systems or the service companies Elevator and Dover Elevator were could meet the requirement for a single that maintain them have employed a purchased by ThyssenKrupp Elevator escalator to span rises in excess of mechanic proficient in performing a of Germany, and Armor Elevator was 65 ft. This is still a limitation with most proper load-share adjustment on purchased by . These acquisi- escalators today. The unique design Westinghouse escalators with three tions, coupled with dwindling parts aspect of the modular escalator made or more drives. support and the lack of qualified service the Westinghouse model well suited In addition to the Westinghouse technicians, make the maintenance for the transit environment. Some units, many systems have older O&K, of existing elevators from these retired escalators in service span well over Montgomery and APV escalators, brands increasingly difficult. that 65-ft. mark, such as the unit in each of which has its own set of the CNN Center in Atlanta, but the unique design characteristics and main- escalators that are used in the transit tenance issues. In addition to the environment must be designed to much unique maintenance requirements of more stringent guidelines due to the this different equipment, another factor loading, usage and environmental that comes into play is that none of elements to which they are subjected these four companies is still in business. during revenue hours, which, in many In 1989, Westinghouse was pur- cases, is 20-plus hours per day, seven chased by Schindler of Switzerland. days a week. Schindler continued to manufacture As its name indicates, the Westing- and install the Westinghouse escalator house Modular has a unique design. and its Modular 250 variant through The standard escalator has its motor the 1990s in WMATA. KONE of Finland and brake at the top of the machine, acquired Montgomery, APV and O&K Escalator maintenance

98 | WWW.ELEVATORWORLD.COM | December 2012 Continuing Education

Factors Affecting Equipment the transit authorities that responded, in our transit authorities is well over Condition the average authority had over five 40 years old, with minimal upgrade In addition to the design- and parts- different escalator manufacturers and or major component replacement. related issues that can affect techni- 10 different elevator manufacturers Transit systems are unique trans- cians’ ability to properly maintain in service in its system. portation networks and subjected to escalators, there are other external Educating and retaining mainte- environmental and operational con- issues that can steadily erode years nance personnel, along with a suffi- ditions that few other types of com- from equipments’ useful life. Eleva- cient parts inventory to ensure proper mercial equipment is routinely sub- tors and escalators are complex sys- operation of a diverse mixture of jected to. Most transit stations are tems of electromagnetic sensors and equipment (as indicated above), can be located outside, with a few subterra- controls with many moving parts extremely difficult and costly, whether nean stations located below a down- and important safety devices. Like all done by an in-house maintenance town financial district or the occa- machines, elevators and escalators group with its own training or if the sional deep station in the suburbs need periodic lubrication and adjust- maintenance services are contracted (due to terrain or elevation of the rail ment to ensure their components to an outside service contractor. How- network). Even those stations likely remain in proper working condition. ever, a sufficient number of mechanics have entrance-level equipment exposed To provide the lifespan expected at with training on all of the equipment to the elements. Harsh climate con- the time the equipment was installed, to be maintained and financial stability ditions and even normal rain, snow and transit agencies must ensure an ad- are musts. temperature extremes have major equate maintenance program is in When installed correctly, new eleva- negative effects on the operation of place to care for it. This process is the tors and escalators can often operate elevators and escalators. Metal and only way a constant state of good repair for months with minimal attention or electronics are susceptible to weather, can be maintained. adjustment. Far too many times, new and hydraulic elevators are particu- Whether the equipment is main- installations have been neglected, larly sensitive to temperature extremes tained by an outside service provider while more attention is given to a more unless climate control has been or by in-house maintenance (what problematic area, only to find that designed into the machine-room en- many transit authorities have moved neglect has resulted in problems both vironment. Temperature extremes also toward), the equipment must be ser- costly and out of the normal realm of affect most microprocessor control viced and adjusted to maintain proper regular maintenance and routine repair. systems. operating conditions as outlined by Another unfortunate event that can Damage from vandalism and natu- the OEM and all applicable governing have an adverse effect on the equip- ral disasters reduce the life expectancy codes. In order to have a successful ment occurs when a good maintenance of vertical-transportation equipment, maintenance program, all technicians program is in place and the equipment and its performance and availability working on the equipment must have is running well. Maintaining strong to the patron. Equipment in transit proper training and access to the operating and capital budgets are a systems is damaged when elevators necessary equipment parts. Vertical- significant issue, especially in today’s are used as public restrooms or esca- transportation equipment maintenance economic climate. Finding ways to lators are used as ski ramps. They can can be equated to the maintenance of stretch those budgets is critical. It is also feel the brunt of many people’s its rolling stock (i.e., trains and buses) common to defer major upgrade or frustrations and disdain for public Although it can be desirable to have replacement of capital equipment and Continued more than one equipment supplier allocate funds to what appears to be to maintain good competition and en- a higher-priority area. However, just sure equipment availability, having many because those elevators and escala- different equipment manufacturers tors have been maintained properly can present problems both in stocking and operating well over an extended adequate supplies of parts and train- period does not mean the lifecycle ing mechanics on the numerous pieces can be extended 50-75% past what of equipment, wherein they will have to was originally expected. An elevator learn the intricacies of adjustment and or escalator operating in the transit service for each. A survey prepared environment, when properly main- by the Elevator and Escalator Technical tained, should have a useful life of Forum of the American Public Trans- 20-25 years. Much of the vertical- Corrosion on escalator truss and bearing supports portation Association found that of transportation equipment operating due to water

December 2012 | ELEVATOR WORLD | 99 Focus on Escalators and Moving Walks Continued property when escalator handrails are if it is the most convenient way to get ing these instances. Contrary to what sliced, stainless-steel panels are beaten it to or from the platform. may be thought, no elevator or escala- and elevator car-operating panels Equipment used in commercial tor is designed to handle the number (COPs) are defaced or damaged. Any facilities – even the busiest mall during of people or all of the things that can be authority fortunate enough to have the holiday shopping season – would forced onto them at any given time. closed-circuit monitoring within its rarely be subjected to the loading Could equipment be designed to system has witnessed many cases of units around many special events withstand the exposure and loading this sort of misuse and abuse on its nearby transit stations experience. that have been mentioned? Clearly, equipment. Even though an owner One only has to watch the WMATA the answer is yes; however, few transit may have full indemnification to its Smithsonian or Arlington stations dur- authorities would be willing to pay service provider, most U.S. states ing U.S. Independence Day celebrations the costs this equipment would de- have a form of premises liability that or the Five Points, Georgia Dome and mand. Keeping in mind that rev- indicates the owner (in this case, the Vine City stations at MARTA during enue is only a small part of most transit authority) has a non-delega- the New Year’s Eve Peach Drop to transit agencies’ operating budgets, ble duty to provide safe equipment see that the escalators are routinely adjustments and concessions must for all users. stacked with patrons anxious to be made, especially in the current fi- enter and exit with little knowledge nancial situation. The status quo of the potential to overload the equip- cannot be maintained, regardless of ment. Part six of ASME A17.1 has how much individuals or special in- equations used for calculating rated terest groups may protest; something loads for escalators, and that rated load must give in order for public trans- is specific for each escalator based portation to continue to operate. on its height rise and equipment con- At a time when operating budgets figuration. Far too many incidents of are feeling the pinch of the troubled improperly maintained or maladjusted economy, transit general managers brakes have occurred, but it is also and boards of directors are faced High escalator loading in a transit station possible to overload an escalator with difficult decisions to balance Transit equipment is also subjected that has a properly maintained and their budgets. Staffs, both in man- to routine overloading by both inter- calibrated braking system. You only agement and the union workforce, nal staff, as well crowds during spe- have to look at numerous videos on have been reduced; salaries and cial events that occur in and around YouTube to see what will happen when wages have been frozen; unpaid fur- their stations. Most class-A office fa- too many people attempt to crowd loughs have been mandated; and cuts cilities have a service elevator to han- onto the escalator at the same time. in service have been necessary. dle the transfer of large and heavy Proper crowd control must be in place These actions, however difficult, have equipment, and most people wait for in order to prevent overloading dur- met with anger and protest, but the the next elevator, instead of forcing themselves into an already-crowded cab. Unfortunately, this is often not the case in the transit environment. Whether systems have service or freight elevators at each of their sta- tions, it is common practice to collect and move fare gate receipts through the system using the standard station elevator. Even elevators designed for combined passenger and freight use are not capable of carrying the equip- ment they are routinely asked to trans- . Capacity should be clearly iden- tified on the COP, and all maintenance staff should know the weight and size of the equipment to be moved. This capacity should not be exceeded, even

100 | WWW.ELEVATORWORLD.COM | December 2012 situations called for drastic mea- sures, and tough decisions were made. Along with these short-term fiscal decisions, long-term fiscal and operat- ing policies must be changed, as well. In Part 2 of this article, we will see how the situation in the transit envi- ronment got this way and what can be done to get out of it.

Tim Eason is an independent vertical-transportation consultant and principal of L&S Elevator & Escalator Consulting in Atlanta. He is the former manager of Elevator and Escalator Programs for the Metropolitan Atlanta Authority and senior consultant/ project manager for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority elevator and escalator Capital Improvement Program. Eason has also consulted for Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the South Florida Regional .

Learning-Reinforcement Questions Use the below learning-reinforcement questions to study for the Continuing Education Assessment Exam avail- able online at www.elevatorbooks. com or on page 125 of this issue. ♦ Was the Westinghouse Modular escalator a good engineering solu- tion for transit systems in the 1970s and 1980s? ♦ What differentiates the modular from the conventional escalator? ♦ What are some factors that affect equipment in transit systems that are rarely found in equipment installed in the commercial envi- ronment? ♦ How have declining budgets and early equipment performance af- fected replacement in our transit systems? ♦ Can an escalator’s rated loads be exceeded by the loading of passen- gers? Why?

December 2012 | ELEVATOR WORLD | 101 Focus on Escalators and Moving Walks Continuing Education

ELEVATOR WORLD Continuing Education Assessment Examination Questions

Instructions: ♦ Read the article “Maintaining Elevators and Escalators in the Transit Envi- ronment, Part 1” (page 96) and study the learning-reinforcement questions at the end of the article. ♦ To receive one hour (0.1 CEU) of continuing-education credit, answer the assess- ment examination questions found below online at www.elevatorbooks.com or fill out the ELEVATOR WORLD Continuing Education reporting form found overleaf and submit by mail with payment. ♦ Approved for Continuing Education by NAEC for CET®, and NAESA Interna- tional and QEI Services, Inc. for QEI.

1. Westinghouse Elevator was purchased by: c. 30-40 years. a. Dover. d. More than 40 years, if properly maintained. b. KONE. c. Haughton. 7. In order to ensure success, what characteristics should d. Schindler. transit authorities insist upon when choosing a ser- vice provider? 2. Which type of escalator is the most common in most a. Adequate staffing of qualified mechanics. larger U.S. transit systems? b. Financial capabilities. a. Schindler 9700. c. Company stability. b. O&K RT-HD. d. All of the above. c. Westinghouse Modular. d. Otis J. 8. Where are the equations for the calculation of rated loads for escalators located? 3. Approximately 50% of WMATA’s escalators are West- a. ASME A17.3, part 7. inghouse Modular models. b. ASME A17.1, part 6. a. True. c. ASME A17.2, part 6. b. False. d. ASME A17.2, part 8.

4. The process of adjusting motors and brakes of a mod- 9. As long as the brakes are properly adjusted and the ular escalator to reduce uneven wear of them and the escalator is properly maintained, it is not possible to rack is called: exceed the rated loads of the equipment. a. Load leveling. a. True. b. Motor pairing. b. False. c. Brake adjustment. d. Load sharing. 10. Most transit agencies receive the majority of their funding from fare revenue. 5. Some companies that provided escalators in U.S. a. True. transportation systems are no longer producing esca- b. False. lators. These include: a. Dover, Haughton and O&K. b. Otis, ThyssenKrupp Elevator and Schindler. c. KONE, Westinghouse and APV Baker. d. Montgomery, O&K and APV Baker.

6. The “useful life expectancy” of an escalator operating in the transit environment is: a. 15–20 years. b. 20–25 years.

December 2012 | ELEVATOR WORLD | 125 Focus on Escalators and Moving Walks Continued

ELEVATOR WORLD Circle correct answer Continuing Education Reporting Form 1. a b c d 6. a b c d Article title: “Maintaining Elevators 2. a b c d 7. a b c d and Escalators in the Transit Environ- ment, Part 1” (EW, December 2012, 3. a b 8. a b c d page 96). 4. a b c d 9. a b Continuing-education credit: This ar- ticle will earn you one contact hour (0.1 5. a b c d 10. a b CEU) of elevator-industry continuing- education credit. Signature: ______Directions: Select one answer for each question in the exam. Completely circle the appropriate letter. A minimum Payment options: score of 80% is required to earn credit. You can also take Check one: ❏ $30.00 – Non-subscriber course fee this test online at website: www.elevatorbooks.com. ❏ $25.50 – ELEVATOR WORLD subscriber course fee Last name: ______Subscriber #: ______(6 digit number on your print label or in First name:______Middle initial:______your digital confirmation.) ❏ Payment enclosed CET®, CAT® or QEI number:______(check payable to Elevator World, Inc.) State License number: ______Charge to my: ❏ VISA Company name:______❏ MasterCard Address:______City:______❏ American Express

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