Abstract: A tape transport apparatus employs an annular resilient rotating drive capstan and supply and take-up rolls mounted to advance and retreat with respect to the capstan. The capstan drives at least the take-up roll while a first spring means acts upon and tends to urge both rolls with substantially equal force toward the capstan while a second spring means serves to selectively cooperate with the first named spring means to provide a greater force on one side of the capstan than on the other by employing means for releasing the force of the second spring means to act on one or the other of the two rolls.