Mind Your MBTA Manners: Escalator Etiquette

Some of us take the escalator because we're lazy. When faced with an epic climb, as in Porter, we opt for the easy way out: standing. Others take the escalator because they have a need for speed: by stair-climbing and escalating simultaneously, you can get to your destination twice as fast (and, hopefully, avoid missing your train).

Still others apparently take the escalator to piss people off by creating an obstacle course of bodies. Blissfully unaware that their fellow MBTA riders might like to continue their escalator-walking unimpeded, these folks stand in the middle of the escalator, legs planted wide apart, arms stretched out, taking up as much room as possible. A simple "excuse me" does not work, nor does a gentle tap on the shoulder. No, there is no effective method that can be used to move these inconsiderate folks from their staunch position of in your way.

Moving walkway rules: Stand right, walk left. Escalator rules: Stand right, descend/ascend left. It's not hard, people. Escalators are dangerous enough as it is; there's no need for you to create additional problems.