an operating lever device for a magnetic recording tape transport apparatus which uses a tape cassette and which sets a magnetic recording tape transport mode in response to an electrical signal from signal generator , comprises a first base plate , a second base plate parallel to the first base plate with a distance therebetween , a first operating lever disposed between the base plates to be movable along the base plates between a first position to stop the signal from the generator and a second position in which the generator is allowed to generate the signal , a second operating lever disposed between the base plates to be movable along the base plates between first and second positions and parallel to the moving direction of the first operating lever , an auxiliary operating lever disposed between the base plates to be movable along the base plates among first , second , third and fourth positions and perpendicularly to a direction of movement of the first and second operating levers , the auxiliary operating lever in the first position thereof being spaced apart from the first and second operating levers located in the first positions thereof in the direction of movement of the first and second operating levers from the first position to the second position thereof , the auxiliary operating lever in the second position thereof being engaged with the first operating lever located at the second position thereof , the auxiliary operating lever in the third position .