An elevator system includes a hoistway and an elevator car suspended in the hoistway via one or more suspension members. A counterweight is suspended in the hoistway via the one or more suspension members to balance operation of the elevator car. A machine is positioned at the hoistway to drive the one or more suspension members along the hoistway, driving motion of the elevator car and/or counterweight along the hoistway. A suspension member termination is supported at the machine, to secure an end of the one or more suspension members. A drive system for an elevator includes one or more elevator suspension members and a machine interactive with the one or more elevator suspension members to drive motion of an elevator car. A suspension member termination is supported at the machine to secure an end of the one or more suspension members at the machine.