Even $1 billion can’t guarantee every escalator ride.
The MTA has experienced “kinks” in the escalator system at Fulton Street ever since the transit hub opened on Nov. 10, according to spokesman Kevin Ortiz.
"There were periodic outages last week due to a variety of factors. Some of them were machines 'breaking in,' which is fairly normal," said Ortiz.
But riders haven’t been too frustrated about having to walk a few extra steps at the $1.4 billion megaproject in lower Manhattan. Commuters have several escalators and elevators to choose from, part of planned redundancy in the decade-long project.
The gleaming new entranceway also simplifies a maze of nine subway lines, leaving many riders more than patient about a few early glitches.
"It doesn’t bother me at all," said Jim Allen, toting a small suitcase down a flight of stairs next to a temporarily out-of-service escalator. "I mean, anytime you’re trying to do something new there’s bound to be a few kinks.
"I just love the whole feel of the place," he said. "I think it’s really cool they’re upgrading the system."
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The Fulton hub features a dome-like oculus, which infuses the entranceway with sunlight on bright days.
Still to come are dozens of retail stores, which are scheduled to open in 2015. The leaseholder, Westfield, is responsible for maintaining many of the escalators, according to the MTA.
