Rav Unterman relates that he was present one Shabbat when the Chafetz Chaim was meeting with other rabbinic figures discussing community matters. When the Chafetz Chaim needed something to be brought to him, one of those present proceeded to ride the elevator along with a non-Jewish passenger to retrieve the item. None of the assembled, including the Chafetz Chaim, objected to his riding the elevator.
It should be noted that it appears that Rav Moshe Feinstein (see Teshuvot Igrot Moshe 2:80) agrees with Rav Henkin and Rav Unterman's ruling that if the elevator is not operated by a Jew and a non-Jew has not been instructed to operate the elevator, one may ride in it on Shabbat.
and what if someone is frail /ill/ disabled and they are unable to walk up several flights of stairs?
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