San Francisco Escalators Suspended for Human Waste - as part of the news series by GeoBeats.
When you jump on an escalator, you probably don’t ponder over the filth that resides beneath your feet. However, the reason behind the shutdown of BART transit system’s escalators in San Francisco compels us to give it more thought. Hazardous materials workers were sent to the Civic Center Station in June after officials tore apart the moving stairs and discovered an overwhelming amount of excrement from humans. This week, five escalators in the downtown train system were temporarily suspended with many believing the homeless population and lack of public restrooms have led to the problem.
While transit stations around the world are a common area for homeless people after hours, the waste clogs the operating mechanisms, resulting in breakdowns. BART police official, Era Jenkins told the San Francisco Chronicle; “Nobody wants to be walking in urine and feces, I know that, but if we don't see it or the person doesn't admit to it, they can just say it was someone else.”
This isn’t the first problem BART has encountered. Just last month, 28 of the 179 escalators were out of service due to wear and tear.
