To provide device and method having superior efficiency and resistance property for driving an elevator.

A tension member (22) for an elevator system (12) has an aspect ratio of greater than one, wherein aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of tension member width w to thickness t (w/t). The increase in aspect ratio results in a reduction in the maximum rope pressure and an increased flexibility as compared to conventional elevator ropes. As a result, smaller sheaves (24) may be used with this type of tension member (22). In a particular embodiment, the tension member (22) includes a plurality of individual load carrying ropes encased within a common layer of coating. The coating layer (28) separates the individual ropes (26) and defines an engagement surface (30) for engaging a traction sheave (24).