A passenger detector (10) for use in a passenger conveyor system (12) is provided that includes a structured light source (34), a structured light detector (36), and a controller (38). The structured light source (34) is operable to project light (40) into a detection area (32) in a predetermined projected pattern. The structured light detector (36) is operable to generate reflected light signals indicative of light (40) reflected back toward the structured light detector (36) from the detection area (32). The controller (38) is operable to receive the reflected light signals from the structured light detector (36), and operable to process the reflected light signals to make a determination as to whether a passenger is disposed within a detection area (32).