"If I have to move up in a building, I choose the elevator over the escalator. Because one time I was riding the escalator and I tripped. I fell down the stairs for an hour and a half"

This quote by Demetri Martin is an amusing method of expressing his preference for the elevator over the escalator. He is suggesting that he had a disappointment with the escalator, as he dropped the stairs for an hour and a half. This recommends that he was either clumsy or the escalator malfunctioned. In either case, it was a terrible experience for him and he now chooses the elevator over the escalator. This quote is an easy going way of expressing his choice for the elevator, as it is a much safer and more reputable choice. It likewise works as a suggestion to be mindful when using escalators, as they can be dangerous if not used properly.