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FAQ: Do the sensors of the Trafficon series work for all door types in public transport?

Image of a bus door and the lettering Trafficon- series for door types in public transport

In short

Thanks to their self-learning function, the sensors in MTC's Trafficon series can be used with all types of doors in public transport. They detect people and objects and monitor passenger flow – regardless of whether it's an inward-swinging door (IST), a swing-sliding door (SST), or an outward-swinging door (AST), and regardless of whether the door is pneumatically or electrically operated. We develop customized sensor variants for exceptional, special applications. Below is an overview of the door types used in public transport and why our sensor technology is suitable for all of them.

Here is an overview of the most important door types in public transport.

Swing sliding door (SST) / Plug sliding door

  • With swing-sliding doors, the sash initially moves vertically outwards, detaches from the opening, and then moves parallel to the vehicle wall. In the APTA standard, this mechanism is described as a sliding plug: the door panel first detaches perpendicular to the body (unplug) and is then moved parallel to it.
  • As a result, a swing-sliding door requires significantly less swing-out space than a purely outward-swinging door and very little space inside.
  • When closed, the door sits flush with the bodywork, offering aerodynamic advantages, improved noise reduction and heat insulation.

Outward-swinging door (AST) / Outward gliding doors

  • With outward-swinging doors, the door leaf swings completely outwards when opened and then lies parallel to the outer wall of the bus.
  • The system offers advantages such as better sealing, reduced noise and dirt pollution.

Inward gliding door (IST)

  • With inward-swinging doors, the door leaf swings into the interior of the vehicle, so that the door leaves remain completely inside the vehicle. This makes them ideal for narrow bus stops, bus platforms, or when other buses are parked close by.
  • The biggest disadvantage is that the door swings into the interior when it opens. This can restrict or block the standing area directly at the door and briefly impede passenger flow, especially when there are many passengers.

Why do Trafficon sensors work on all these door types?

  • Contactless sensor principle: Trafficon Trafficon . Therefore, it makes no difference whether a door swings, folds, slides, or is plugged in – the sensor detects the door panel regardless of the mechanism.
  • Flexible installation: Whether narrow front door, wide middle door or double door – thanks to the self-learning function, the sensors automatically adjust in width and height to the respective door portal.
  • Robustness: The sensors automatically adapt to changing environmental conditions and are designed to be vandal-resistant.
  • Individual adaptation: For rare or historical vehicle types where standard solutions do not fit, MTC offers custom-made sensor variants and special brackets.

Advantages for operators and workshops

  • Planning security: You no longer have to guess whether the sensor fits the respective door – one series covers all common door types.
  • Reduced complexity: Fewer variants mean lower inventory and simplify training and maintenance.
  • High safety: Uniform sensors ensure that all door openings meet the same safety standard and prevent passengers from being trapped.
  • Tailor-made special solutions: For non-standard doors, we develop individual adaptations – for example for vintage trains or special vehicles.

Questions & Answers about door types in public transport

To open the answers, please click on the arrows.

"Our door is extremely wide / particularly flat / has a special angle. Will the sensors from the Trafficonseries still fit?"

→ Thanks to modular mounts and self-learning function, the sensors can also adapt to unusual geometries.

"We have older vehicles with unusual mechanics. Can the modern sensors of the Trafficonseries also be used for these?"

→ Here too, we supply retrofit solutions or completely new sensor units that are tailored to the existing door mechanism.

"We want to keep maintenance to a minimum. How complex is the maintenance of the Trafficonseries sensors?"

→ Trafficon sensors are self-learning and require little maintenance; they automatically detect contamination and compensate for temperature fluctuations.

Conclusion

The Trafficon sensor series works with all common door types in public transport. Whether classic swing or folding doors, modern sliding doors, plug-in doors, or inward/outward gliding systems – the sensor technology detects obstacles regardless of the door mechanism. Thanks to flexible mounting, robust design, and customization options, MTC offers a suitable solution for every vehicle type. We are happy to develop customized sensor variants for special projects.

Next Steps

Would you like to find out how Trafficon sensors can be used in your vehicles? We offer a free analysis of your door types. Feel free to contact us – together we can determine the installation position, number of sensors, and any necessary modifications.

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Plauener Str. 163 – 165
Haus 9 / Aufgang i
D-13053 Berlin

Telephone: +49 (0) 30 5321 7773
Fax: + 49 (0) 30 5321 6696
Email: sales@mtcontrols.de

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