So it’s hot out, if you haven’t noticed. And somehow, when it is hot out, life’s little inconveniences are that much worse. Like getting off the Metro, turning the corner out of the faregate, and finding an escalator that is not moving. And that is exactly what will happen today at several area Metro stations, undergoing scheduled escalator renovations.

Though Metro might not be able to get the escalators up and running today, they are offering free bottles of cold water to each passenger at the affected stations. Metro staff will distribute 7,000 bottles of water at Capitol South, Benning Road and Dupont Circle (Q Street side). That should be enough to cover the passengers that exit each station – 1,519 at Benning Road, 2,061 at Capitol South, and 4,620 at Dupont Circle – on an average weekday evening. The total cost to distribute the water is $16,500, which includes the water, ice and labor.

It might not be as good as an escalator ride (standing to the right, of course), but it is something.

Photo by brownpau

UPDATE: More Free Stuff from Metro, But More Bad Stuff Too

Metro has announced that it is adding several minutes between trains on all lines to try to mitigate the negative effects of heat. The extra time allows tracks cool down and let maintenance workers inspect the track for damage in between trains. The main danger is “heat kinks,” which form when overheated track expands, but is constrained by the cross ties and ballast. The reduced frequencies will also help Metro avoid overburdening its air-conditioning system, which is in the process of being upgraded.

On the bright side, tomorrow being a Code Red day, Metrobuses in Virginia and Maryland will be free.