Changing a lightbulb is not easy. Many of the lights are impossible to reach from the platform. In fact, Metro has to stop the trains to screw in a bulb.

“Somebody can’t just come out here during the day to do this,” said Hector Ramirez, 42, supervisor of the light crews, whose members are all electricians known as relampers. Ramirez estimated that he has personally changed at least 3,000 bulbs.