A closer look
If you've ever sighed dramatically because an escalator was out of order, you are fundamentally misunderstanding the genius of its existence. Unlike an elevator, which becomes a terrifying suspended metal coffin when it breaks, an escalator just devolves into its predecessor: stairs. By strict safety and engineering codes, the step height and tread depth must perfectly mimic traditional building codes so people can still walk up them without tripping. Complaining about a broken escalator is just complaining about your own refusal to do some light cardio.
