In Wash DC, we have MANY long escalators in the subways , including 2 of the longest in the world. Yes, they are down all too often, but these MUST go, as the elevators just can't handle the load, so they are worked on overnight and much money is spent on the best hardware available....plus they just let a contract for extra covers to keep weather out. Some of the shorter ones are actually turned off during slack times to keep wear down.