When escalators don't work

I needed to get to a volleyball game in Bethnal Green this evening and as usual had planned an hour for my trip there from work.  That is usually ample time to get to Liverpool Street station on the Circle line, followed by a short bus ride.  Unfortunately, as usual, the plan didn't work out quite as I envisaged.  I have gotten so used to the tube, especially the Circle line, not functioning as expected that I was not suprised that I was late by approximately 30 minutes.

I waited for about 15 minutes for a Circle line train and when none appeared checked the schedule board on the platform.  None were scheduled to go East.  So I decided to take the next District line train to Monument and change for the Central line for Liverpool Street.  It didn't take long to get to Monument but the interchange for the Central line was less than straightforward.  The downward escalators were out of action and all that was available to get to the platforms were staircases that were wide enough for only one person at a time.  On this occasion I found myself stuck behind an older lady and her young ward.  Neither of them could go down the stairs particularly easily and were further hindered by the scooter they were trying to carry down with them.  This provoked much annoyance from the queue of commuters that steadily built up as we slowly progressed downwards.  Escalators need maintenance but this alternative arrangement is far from satisfactory.  It is also not safe in the event of an emergency.  All in all the combined non-appearance of a Circle line train and the problem with the escalators added an extra 30 minutes to what should have been an hour-long journey.  Transport around London needs to be better than this to cope with the Olympics.