Exploring the Metro: Escalators at Wheaton

(March 2012) As I say in the video, these are the longest escalators in the United States, and the second longest in the world! These things are just insanely long. It takes nearly 3 minutes to ride them (if you don't walk up/down) Compared to some of the Metro's other escalators, these seem to be pretty well maintained.
Unfortunately, the elevator was out of service. :(

[@thewildeeper]

Those lights are just a visual marker that indicates where the edge of the platform is. They flash whenever there is a train approaching the platform. Every Metro station has them, although some are more of a whitish/yellow color

[@thewildeeper]

According to Wikipedia, the station is 115 feet below the mezzanine. This must be a traction elevator to travel that distance. Also, if anyone's curious, the escalators are 230 feet long

[@georgef551]

There's a LOT of friction, and weight, to overcome there. These must break down a lot. Monties, I believe.

[@billsofat]

They should take out one of the escelators and the stairs, make it flat and turn it into a 230 foot slide!

[@SamSitar]

flat area at the bottom and top helps you stand in the right place for the steps. then you won't fall.

[@OnyxDash]

Most Of The Escalators On The DC Metro Are Westinghouse Or Schindler

[@kipinsane]

The do break down not slot but somewhat often and u have to walk down or up this. I know cause I live in the area and go on true Wheaton one all the time

[@PNWElevatorAviation]

They have to be Schindler. DEFIANTLY Schindler.

[@americanelevators]

There are actually Westinghouse. Look at 3:09 and you can see the landing plate design. Also, most of the Metro had Westinghouse originally.

[@matthew.yyc.adventures-calgary]

That's soo long I wish I could ride that escalator

[@PNWElevatorAviation]

These got Replaced with Schindler former Westinghouse

[@paulhorwitz5941]

These are the longest escalators in the Western Hemisphere

[@22408aaron]

These escalators travel 23 stories below ground. MASSIVE. Also, did you ride the elevator? Is it fast like Forest Glen or slow like the what used to be Rosslyn?

[@missourielevators9252]

The Elevator Was Out Of Service

[@thewildeeper]

The escalators have a diagonal length of 230 feet, not vertical. Since they are at a 30 degree angle, the vertical lift is half of 230 (115 feet.) So, it's really closer to about 11.5 stories deep :)

[@22408aaron]

Oh okay, my mistake. I thought you said they went 230 feet deep. But that is still rather insane distance for an escalator. You said you didn't know who made them, I bet either US or they made them. US did install all of the elevators, but if you look closely, they have the same LCDs on them as the fare gate things. So who knows what brand these are.

[@kipinsane]

Meant to say alot