Why do people stand on the left side of an escalator when they know people want to walk up or down it?

Question

I thought this was common sense. I've missed trains because of this. Why is it so hard to move to the right? Does anyone else besides me think this is poor etiquette?

Answer 1

I actually thought it was rude for people to walk by me on an escalator.  An escalator isn't built like one of those moving walkways you see in places such as large airports.  They have a lot more bending moving parts.

I'm always nervous stepping onto an escalator and stepping off of one for fear that my shoelace may get caught or I may trip and injure myself.  I'm trying to maintain balance on my own precious little moving island for 30 seconds, and someone blows past me because they are in a hurry.  I can't imagine the worry parents have as they hold their young child's hand and an impatient individual blows past them.

If you can't get to the train on time for work or an appointment, leave a few minutes earlier.  Or, if you are catching a train home, just be patient and wait for the next one.

Edited to add:

I'm looking up websites to find out what the people who make the escalators and who are in charge of maintaining the escalators are saying.

http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/metrorail...

Metro (Subway) for Washington DC - Clearly states people should not walk up and down the escalator.

http://proazn.com/ProAzn_forum/korea-tal...

Two different escalator systems in Korea.  One has been made a "ride only" escalator system, and with the other, they are considering banning people from walking.  There is also a graph to show the rising trend in escalator accidents.

http://www.mta.info/nyct/safety/index.ht...

New York City Transit - Also states you should never run or walk on escalators

So clearly there is a safety issue regarding walking up and down escalators.

Answer 2

You should be using the stairs, you know the ones right next to the escalator, when you want to walk up or down.  Escalators are for riding on.  The jarring motion caused by all the footsteps is what causes them to go out of service.  So you are causing a problem when you use an escalator as stairs rather than the actual stairs.  

So my question to you...  why do you walk up and down the escalator when there's a perfectly good set of stairs next to it?  Don't you know people want to ride the escalator?

Answer 3

I have never heard of that, but I live in a city where there aren't tons of escalators. Take the stairs if you want to walk. Some people just may not know to do that, like myself, or they may just be jerks.

Answer 4

i think its  poor  etiquette

maybe  people  on left side dont want to stand next to someone who's back they  have to  see

Answer 5

because they are oblivious to common knowledge.

I know what you mean, i get really close to pushing them LOL. Like they can see you walking towards them but they stick to the left side even though its obvious you want to pass.

Answer 6

The same  as why slow drivers stay in the left driving lane on a 4 lane road

Inconsideration of everyone but themselves

Answer 7

I had never heard this until I met my husband who, like you, thinks it is common sense.  It just doesn't occur to some people.  There is nothing stopping you from tapping them on the shoulder and saying "Excuse me, would you mind moving to the right so that I can pass? I am running late for a train.  Thank you!" If you are polite and cheerful about it people should be willing to accomidate you.  

I am personally of the opinion that if you are able-bodied enough to do it you should walk up the escalator, anyway, regardless of whether or not there is anyone behind you.  But that is just me.  ^_-

Answer 8

One of two reasons:

1) There are many people in this world who have little to no experience riding escalators and are completely unaware that there are unspoken rules to riding them.  A polite, "Excuse me... I'm coming up on the left." may provide them somewhat of a subtle education.

2) Sadly, some people are completely unconcerned about anyone but themselves.  They have no interest in the needs of others, and may not even scoot over when you ask politely.  Selfishness is my biggest pet-peeve.  Grrrrr....

One more thing: there are often no stairs next to an escalator, and even if there are, escalator stairs are twice as fast.  So if you insist on a slow-paced, exercise-free world and choose to casually let the escalator gracefully escort you from one floor to the next, please step to the right, hold onto the rail (for those of you who are safety-conscious) and let people who have places to go GO!!! :)

Answer 9

Because they're not thinking of anyone else.  I get right behind them and say "excuse me" loud enough so they hear, and keep pressing on.  Yes, it's sad so many people are insensitive or downright self centered.

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Answer 10

Sometimes people want to stand next to their loved ones. They have fun talking to each other that they forget.

Answer 11

I used to work as an armored car guard and during Christmas time,I had to make several stops in the mall. Out of habit,I always stand sideways(to get a clear shot either way) and away from the escalator going the other way,lol.