The escalator broke down, so everyone had to take the stairs.
Tips
usage
扶梯 can refer to an escalator (电扶梯/自动扶梯) or a handrailed staircase. In everyday speech, 扶梯 often means escalator. 扶 means 'to support/hold' (as in holding the handrail), and 梯 means 'ladder/stairs.' Compare: 楼梯 (staircase), 电梯 (elevator).
