An escalator drive machine includes a motor output sheave connected to a drive motor through a belt reduction assembly including a main output sheave. A drive belt extends from the belt reduction assembly and is guided along a plurality of guide sheaves to engage the step chain and propel the escalator tread plates. In addition, by locating a pinch roller adjacent the handrail, the drive belt and handrail can be pinched together to provide a motive force to the handrail. The drive belt thereby synchronously drives the handrail. In another embodiment the drive machine includes a counter-rotating motor to drive a drive belt on each side of the escalator system.