The upward escalator that carries passengers from Highgate station ticket hall to street level has been broken since October last year.
Transport for London (TfL) says the escalator’s “age and bespoke nature” means replacement parts must be “specifically designed and made”.
But Liberal Democrat councillor Scott Emery has said that the delay to fixing the problem was “pretty appalling”, leaving passengers to walk up at least 16 steps.
“For people like me it’s not a massive issue – it’s a frustration but it’s not the end of the world,” he explained.
“But for people who have accessibility issues, many of whom are my constituents in Highgate where there is quite an elderly population, they are really struggling to get back from central London.
“They’re telling me it’s almost impossible for them to see their friends and to get to doctor’s appointments.”
Highgate is one of the deepest Tube stations in London, with the platforms sitting 37 metres below ground level.
TfL’s website advises people to use the station stairs, or to exit at Archway station and travel on local buses “for a more comfortable journey”.
However, Cllr Emery pointed out that Archway station also has steps, so presents similar difficulties for people with poor mobility.
He also questioned why TfL had no plan for replacing escalator parts, considering worn out machinery is a recurring problem on its network.
Kentish Town station was recently shut for 18 months to replace its two escalators, and Cutty Sark DLR station will shut for a year at the end of this month for the same reason.
“Even if the Highgate escalator is a unique system, there should be a plan in place for when that part fails,” he said.
“I think that’s a poor excuse to say that it’s a difficult part to make.”
A TfL spokesperson has now apologised for continuing issues with the escalator.
“The age and bespoke nature of this escalator means replacement parts must be specially designed and made, which has long lead times,” they added.
“Our engineers are working hard to get the escalator back into service as quickly as possible.”
It is understood that TfL currently aims to have fixed the escalator by the end of June.
