PURPOSE: To simplify operation by making guide anouncement for operation when the preset time is up, starting escalator after a certain while, sensing whether any passengers exist with repeated anouncement of operation stop when the operation stop time set on a day timer is up, and thus stopping operation.

CONSTITUTION: The operation control device for an escalator is composed of a delay timer 30 to emit an operation stop signal, an audio synthesizing device 32 to make guide anouncement for starting or stopping operation upon receiving signal from the day timer 30, a passenger sensor 33 installed at the entrance to escalator to sense if there is any passenger in the escalator at the time of operation stop, and another passenger sensor 34 for exit. Automatic operation of the escalator is generated by a counter 29, which counts signals sent from these two sensors 33, 34, and a control board 31 which receives signal from this counter 29, controls the operation and stop, and emits signals to the next escalator for its operation or stop.