Most 'down' escalators that I've seen are either down for maintenance (a monthly affair, I believe), or shut down by local kids as a 'joke'.

Some brands seem to require a specific repair expertise to get them restarted once someone hits the 'e-stop' button. If it's a holiday, or busy, or the repairman has to be called in at an extra fee, it may be a while before it runs again.

Some places just seem to say 'forget it' and leave it as large and overly elaborate stair systems.

M