Public transport operator STIB has been called on to reduce noise pollution caused by faulty metro wheels following a complaint from a Woluwe-Saint-Lambert resident.
The regional mediation service Ombuds.Brussels has urged the Brussels Environment agency and STIB to replace the wheels on M7 metro trains ('Boas' metro trains) to reduce noise pollution.
The agency says balance must be restored between how the Brussels-Capital Region ensures public transport options and respect for the environment. "A regulatory framework for public transport-related nuisances is also needed to ensure this balance in the long term," it stated in a press release on Tuesday.
Ombuds.Brussels conducted an investigation following a complaint from a Woluwe-Saint-Lambert resident. The individual reported that defects in the wheels of 'Boas' trains were creating unnecessary noise in the homes of local residents. They added that there was no evidence that STIB had attempted to resolve the issue.
No noise pollution regulations
Following investigation, the Ombudsman has highlighted that there are currently no specific standards in place to regulate noise pollution caused by metro trains. In addition, Brussels Environment does not carry out regular checks to assess the impact of measures already taken by STIB.
Its report highlights that STIB has addressed resident's queries about the defective wheels but has never committed to replacing the wheels or taking steps to reduce noise pollution.
STIB has now been asked to provide a clear schedule for replacing the wheels. The public transport operator must also assess the feasibility of slowing down the metro at night as a way to reduce noise pollution in the meantime.
Brussels Environment has been called on to carry out regular evaluations of the situation and to introduce specific standards for noise pollution.
