Systems and methods for variable speed modular moving walkways

A pitless and modular belt-type accelerating moving walkway transit system comprising at least five walkway modules, the at least five walkway modules comprising:

• an initial walkway module having an initial speed to permit a person to transition to the transit system more easily;
• a first accelerating walkway module positioned adjacent to the initial walkway module having a higher speed than the initial walkway module;
• a full speed walkway module positioned adjacent to the first accelerating walkway module having a higher speed than the first accelerating walkway module;
• a first decelerating walkway module positioned adjacent to the full speed walkway module having a lower speed than the full speed walkway module;
• an end walkway module positioned adjacent to the first decelerating walkway module having a lower speed than the first decelerating walkway;
• and
• wherein each module comprises an endless belt and one or more electric motors operably connected to an electrical source and handrails on opposing sides that move in synchrony with the endless belt of the same module.

A pitless and modular belt-type accelerating moving walkway transit system comprising:

• at least three substantially identical walkway modules that are leveled and positioned atop a surface such as the ground, floor, road or deck;
• each module comprising an endless belt moving at a different or the same speed, the at least three walkway modules are positioned linearly adjacent;
• each module comprising one or more electric motors operably connected to an electrical source and handrails on opposing sides that move in synchrony with the endless belt of the same module;
• and
• wherein each module further comprises handrails on opposing sides, wherein the handrails are fastened via a “u-channel” on each side of the base frame and secured with latches and bolts, the handrails moving in synchrony with the endless belt of the same module via a mechanical connection to the motor driving the same module's belt, safely transitioning to the handrail of an adjacent module without any significant gap and connector, or via a T-shaped connector covering the common tangent gap with the handrail of the adjacent module.