This disclosure relates to an electromagnetic brake configured to slow a deceleration rate of a passenger conveyer, such as an elevator car, during braking. In particular, this disclosure relates to a passenger conveyer system including the electromagnetic brake and a corresponding method. An example system includes a controller and an electromagnetic brake. The electromagnetic brake includes a disc configured to interface with a drive shaft, a spring, and a plate biased in a first direction into engagement with the disc by a bias force of the spring. The electromagnetic brake further includes an electromagnet selectively activated in response to a command from the controller to produce a magnetic field attracting the plate in a second direction opposite the first direction to partially offset the bias force of the spring. Further, when the electromagnet is activated, the plate engages the disc.