Exit promptly from the escalator. Use the elevator. When you carry heavy or large packages or luggage, or have a child in a stroller, use the elevator. If you're in a wheelchair or on crutches, use the elevator. Emergency buttons at the top and bottom of each escalator may be used to stop the escalator in an emergency.
Signs explain use of button and warn against misuse.
Hidden safety switches stop the escalator automatically when a misaligned or broken step is detected. Cylindrical caps on the bronze deck between entrance escalators discourage any extremely hazardous attempt to use the deck as a slide for a person or object. Metro conducts occasional mock disaster drills. We also provide intensive training for local fire and police departments on procedures for responding to Metro emergencies. On-going safety training is part of the job of every train operator, station manager and operations supervisor in the system.