Abstract: The moving handrails of an escalator or moving walk-way are driven by a pair of linear powered belts which are positioned along a linear portion of the return path of travel of the escalator. Each handrail drive system includes a pair of drive belts which are entrained about a drive sprocket and an idler sprocket. The drive belts have toothed surfaces which engage teeth on the sprockets. The sides of the belts away from the toothed surfaces are smooth. The belts are moved along a rectilinear path which brings them into the underneath side of the returning handrail. A spreader forces the belts apart and into the side pockets on the handrail where they engage and drive the handrail. The drive system does not contact the outer surface of the handrail and does not move the handrail through a nip where it will bend.