The efforts have paid off: Railway traffic became significantly quieter in 2020

Position statement of Malte Lawrenz, VPI chairperson, concerning the 2020 noise monitoring annual report of the Federal Railway Authority

“We are very pleased that the investments of the wagon keepers in noise protection have demonstrated a measurable relief for local residents. The noise load from railway traffic has decreased by about five decibels compared to the previous year, according to the Federal Railway Authority. The report confirms: The reduction of rail noise is primarily the successful result of converting wagons to so-called whisper brakes.

The private fleets operating in Germany have now been completely converted to whisper brakes. It is now necessary to prevent loud wagons with grey cast iron brakes from entering the German network from other countries. This is the only way to secure the full noise-reducing effect of the conversion efforts.

It has long been clear to private wagon keepers that the growth of railway traffic can only succeed with the acceptance of local residents. For this reason, they invested billions in recent years in noise protection for their rolling stock. They also continue to bear significantly elevated operating costs as a consequence of the conversion to LL blocks.”