One year after the ban on particularly loud freight wagons, trains run significantly more quietly through Germany. This was the result of measurements by the Federal Railway Authority at 19 stations to which the Allianz pro Schiene association pointed out. In the past two and a half years, the proportion of freight wagons that generate noise below 86 decibels has increased from 56 percent to almost 90 percent.
Nationwide, 137,000 freight wagons with new noise-reducing brake blocks were registered in September, almost 39 percent more than at the end of 2019. The vehicles are around ten decibels quieter than conventional ones, which, according to industry information, corresponds to a perceived halving of the volume.
According to the authorities, around every tenth registered car still has the conventional gray cast iron brake pads. Because of the strong abrasion, they ensure that the wagon wheels roll louder. Violations are only to be punished with sanctions one year after the ban has come into force.