PURPOSE: To realize a compact transport device for a sheet article with which the traveling with a low tension can be carried out in a stable manner, by arranging projections on the transport surface of the plain belt for transmitting the sheet article.

CONSTITUTION: A plain belt for transporting a sheet article has a transport surface 11 for transporting a sheet article on one surface, and several projections 13 projecting along the longitudinal direction are formed on the transport surface 11. When the sheet article is transported by the transport belt with this constitution, a pair of transport belts are arranged oppositely so that the projections 13 are fitted and transport surfaces 11 do not slidingly contact, and the transported article is nipped between the projections 13. Therefore, the load applied on each belt is reduced, and the belt can be traveled in a stable manner with a low tension, and the compact transport device can be realized.