Abstract: A handrail monitoring system for use in a passenger conveyor such as an escalator, moving sidewalk or the like, compares the speed of each handrail against their nominal installed speed and responds when the handrail speeds differ from nominal by a selected percentage, i.e., when the difference in speed is 5, 10, 15 or 20%, as selected by an operator. Handrail speed is compared with the nominal handrail speed which may be established over a continuous range of speeds depending upon the installation. The system outputs either an immediate audio and/or visual alarm upon excessive slowing of a handrail or a delayed audio and/or visual alarm following a selected time interval to allow for temporary, short interruptions in handrail transport not due to conveyor system malfunction, but rather frequently due to passenger interference with the handrail.