A chain drive (10) for a people conveyor (1) having a plurality of conveyance elements (4) comprises a drive chain (12) which is configured for driving the conveyance elements (4). The drive chain (12) includes a plurality of drive chain links (16) traveling along a closed path including a conveyance portion (5) and a return portion (7). The drive chain (12) further includes a plurality of linkages (42). Each linkage (42) is configured for coupling the drive chain (12) with one of the plurality of conveyance elements (4). The length of each linkage (42) along the path of the drive chain (12) is variable.