At least one escalator has been out of action at Walthamstow Central London Underground station on 40 occasions in the past year - and the problem is still not solved.
Transport for London has needed to complete repair work on the Victoria line terminus on a number of occasions but is still reportedly minus key parts due to supply chain issues.
Passengers on Saturday found the downwards escalator was again not running, forcing some parents to carry small children and pushchairs down the middle aisle stairs.
One Londoner, who did not wish to be named, told the Standard: “One mother had to carry a child in one arm and the pushchair in the other. She was very calm about it but there were no staff around to help.”
The alternatives to customers offered by station staff include catching the bus to the following Victoria line stations of Blackhorse Road and Tottenham Hale where escalators are working - the latter also having a lift.
It has been a familiar story at the busy Tube station with the escalators now showing their age but still missing key parts for a more comprehensive fix.
Transport for London told My London: “We have assessed the issues causing them to be out of use and have ordered the parts needed to refurbish both escalators.
“We carry a limited number of parts to cover unplanned failures across our network, once we identify an issue remedial work is planned and any necessary parts ordered."
“Replacement wheels are currently on a nine month lead due to material challenges within our supply chain, once we receive this stock, we will be undertaking a change out of any remaining affected items which will improve the reliability of these assets.”
A TfL spokesperson told the Evening Standard: “We apologise to customers at Walthamstow Central station for the unreliability of the escalators at the station over the past year. Our engineers have been working hard to keep them running safely. We are waiting on new parts for the machinery and as soon as these arrive the escalators will be repaired as soon as possible.”
