What is the maximum speed of a moving stairway?

The maximum speed of a moving stairway, commonly referred to as an escalator, is established for safety and operational efficiency. In Massachusetts, as well as in many jurisdictions, the standard maximum allowable speed for an escalator is indeed 125 feet per minute (FPM). This speed is designed to facilitate the safe and comfortable movement of passengers, allowing them to board and disembark without feeling rushed or unsafe. At speeds significantly higher than this, the risk of accidents increases, which is why regulations in elevator and escalator safety standards set this limit.

Speeds lower than the maximum, such as those listed in other options, would not meet the efficiency and operational capacity that escalators are designed to achieve, while any values exceeding the maximum could compromise safety protocols.