These were around for years and years in the subway that lead up to Jordan Marsh (large dept. store at the time) in Boston. They were wooden slats (at least Macy's had steps on theirs) and they were on a steep incline--straight up!!
To ride them you sort of leaned forward, and you never looked behind you while riding up, because you'd feel faint. You held on to the moving rubber handrails, and the handrails never were at the same speed as the wooden slats. So you had to reposition your hands every 8 feet or so, but you didn't dare let go of the moving handrail either!!
![Jaw Drop :jawdrop: :jawdrop:](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/jawdrop.png)
Yes, these were the moving staircases of death.
![Hilarious :hilarious: :hilarious:](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/hilarious.png)
I think at least two of them actually lasted until the 80s.