There was a time when our Nanjing Metro system, as well as others in China, was in its infancy and a state of confusion. With the debate over metro-escalator etiquette recently reignited, clarity as to the official position has emerged, as well as some good-sense safety.
曾经有一段时间，我们南京地铁系统和中国其他地铁系统一样，都处于起步阶段，处于混乱状态。随着最近关于地铁自动扶梯礼仪的争论重新燃起，官方立场已经明确，同时也出现了一些良好的安全意识。
Earlier this month, Chengdu Metro received a message from a local citizen calling for the promotion of the “Walk on the Left & Stand on the Right” concept. Chengdu Metro replied that the idea is no longer advocated.
本月初，成都地铁收到当地市民留言，呼吁推广“左走右立”理念。成都地铁回复称，不再提倡这种想法。
But why, given that it was once regarded as a symbol of civilisation and a practical means to ease congestion on metro systems during peak periods?
但为什么它曾被视为文明的象征，也是缓解高峰期地铁拥堵的实用手段呢？
The answer essentially comes down to safety. Zhang Xindong is Director of the Electromechanical Technology Centre at the Jiangsu Special Equipment Safety Supervision and Inspection Institute. And according to Zhang, “Walk on the Left & Stand on the Right” presents a number of hidden risks.
答案本质上归结为安全。张新东，江苏省特种设备安全监督检验院机电技术中心主任。张表示，“左走右立”存在不少隐患。
Zhang says long-term load bearing on one side will accelerate the wear of an escalator and even cause it to tilt. People scattered on both the left and right sides of an escalator obviates the effect.
张说，一侧长期承重会加速自动扶梯的磨损，甚至导致倾斜。自动扶梯左右两侧分散的人员消除了这种影响。
In addition, the step height of an escalator is not suitable for walking. Standards stipulate that the design height of stairs in public places should be 13-18 centimetres. On escalators, step heights are anywhere from 21 to 24 centimetres. Given the steps are moving, once someone falls accidentally, a stampede during peak hours is easily the result.
另外，自动扶梯的台阶高度不适合步行。标准规定，公共场所楼梯的设计高度应为13-18厘米。自动扶梯的台阶高度为 21 至 24 厘米。由于台阶是移动的，一旦有人不小心摔倒，很容易在高峰时段造成踩踏事故。
Then there is the issue of clothing. With the arrival of summer, so more people take to wearing Crocs and long skirts. Both are potential hazards on escalators, as the Yangtze Evening News reports.
然后就是服装问题。随着夏天的到来，越来越多的人开始穿Crocs和长裙。据《扬子晚报》报道，这两种情况都是自动扶梯上的潜在危险。
Regarding the former, there have been previous stories of Crocs being “bitten off” by the gap between the moving steps of escalators. This is down to the material of the shoes which is quite soft, creating greater friction with the steps of escalators.
对于前者，此前曾有过Crocs被自动扶梯移动梯级间隙“咬断”的故事。这是因为鞋子的材质非常柔软，与自动扶梯的台阶产生更大的摩擦力。
For long skirt lovers, special attention should be paid to the hem of the skirt to prevent it from being caught by the moving escalator. The steps or the lift are the safe alternatives. The lift is also the recommended choice for those with a pram/stroller.
对于长裙爱好者来说，要特别注意裙子的下摆，防止被移动的自动扶梯夹住。台阶或电梯是安全的选择。对于那些携带婴儿车/婴儿车的人来说，电梯也是推荐的选择。
The public are also finally reminded as to the red emergency-stop button. Those who witness a dangerous situation emerging should shout out for help to ask others on the escalator to press the red button. They are located near the top and bottom of every escalator, with additional buttons along long escalatorsas necessary.
最后还提醒公众注意红色紧急停止按钮。发现危险情况时，应大声呼救，并请自动扶梯上的其他人按下红色按钮。它们位于每个自动扶梯的顶部和底部附近，并根据需要在长自动扶梯上设有额外的按钮。
