Automatic platform doors provide safety for the Artxanda funicular railway (Bilbao)

Mount Artxanda, located in Bilbao, is one of the hills in the Basque city that offers spectacular panoramic views and is currently one of its tourist attractions. Since 1915, the Artxanda funicular railway has connected the city centre with the hill. Over the years, this century-old public transport system has had to meet the needs of a growing number of passengers and respond to the demands of modern transport. For this reason, in 2022, the funicular underwent extensive renovations, during which Manusa installed several automatic platform screen doors (PSDs) at the upper station.

The new door system must ensure accessibility and safety for passengers waiting on the platform without interrupting the flow of passengers entering and exiting the train when it is stationary. In this regard, it is essential to coordinate the platform doors with those of the vehicle. Additionally, the doors must be adapted to accommodate the unevenness of the platform, which is typical of a sloping station such as a funicular, and must blend seamlessly with the aesthetics of the infrastructure.

To resolve all these issues, Manusa installed a system of 10 automatic doors, 5 on one platform and 5 on the other. These are single-leaf, side-opening doors, whose modular configuration allows them to be installed in a staggered manner, adapting to the station's steep slope. Thanks to their size and integration into the entire platform gap, the doors act as a real barrier that prevents passengers from falling onto the track, which has a considerable incline.

The opening and closing of the platform doors are perfectly synchronised with that of the vehicle, ensuring that passenger flow is smooth and there is no risk of collision with moving parts. To further enhance safety and improve accessibility, the automatic doors are equipped with audible and visual signals when activated, which help to ensure a more controlled flow of passengers. And in the event of a breakdown or emergency, all platform doors can be opened manually.

The door system features a profile consisting of a lacquered aluminium frame that makes it sturdy and resistant to strong winds. This also protects people on the platform from draughts. In addition, the door system has been customised with an anthracite grey colour for the frame lacquer, which, together with red, are the two main colours used in the design of both the funicular and the station.

This project clearly illustrates how Manusa tailors its solutions to the specific characteristics of each space. For the Artxanda funicular, the automatic door system has been fully custom-designed to meet the specific needs of the station, ensuring a safe and accessible environment for all users.