tube noise answers Feb 19
Question No: 2019/3877
Andrew Dismore
With how many suppliers of resilient track fastenings such as Pandrol Vanguard or similar are Transport for London in discussions with a view to obtaining other types of track fastenings to reduce noise and vibration in areas afflicted by tube noise?
Tube noise [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London is in contact with three suppliers regarding resilient track fastenings as part of its ongoing programme to manage noise and vibration.
Question No: 2019/3878
Andrew Dismore
What are the dates when Transport for London have met or are due to meet suppliers of alternative resilient track fastenings such as Pandrol Vanguard?
Tube noise [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) held a number of discussions, including meetings, with potential suppliers of resilient track fastenings throughout last year.
TfL will continue to have further meetings with potential suppliers, including in March 2019.
Question No: 2019/3879
Andrew Dismore
What measurements has Transport for London taken to understand the relationship between train speed and in-carriage noise over the sections of track where PVs have been installed?
Tube noise [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) has carried out in-carriage noise readings across sites where Pandrol Vanguard is installed on the London Underground network. TfL will continue to take readings at sites where Pandrol Vanguard is installed.
While the noise experienced at higher speeds can be greater than at lower speeds, the relationship between train speed and in-carriage noise is complex, and not consistent. TfL is investigating this relationship and looking at opportunities to balance lower speeds, noise levels and service reliability.
Question No: 2019/3880
Andrew Dismore
Will you consider the slowing down of trains outside of peak services and on the night tube for stretches of track which have generated complaints of high tube noise?
Tube noise [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) has a responsibility to deliver a reliable and efficient service. Slowing down trains has the potential to impact on service efficiency. In areas where noise levels are very high, and other methods to reduce noise levels have proven ineffective, TfL may investigate how speed restrictions could reduce noise levels. Any potential reduction in speed would need to be balanced against service efficiency before being implemented.
Question No: 2019/3881
Andrew Dismore
Will Transport for London share the data and modelling that show the impact on train frequency if moderate speed restrictions were to be introduced on the Victoria line at the relevant track locations in the Fitzroy area?
Tube noise [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
I understand that you recently met with the Deputy Mayor for Transport and a senior officer from Transport for London (TfL) where this issue was discussed.
TfL is looking into the feasibility of this option, and officers will be in touch with you once this work has been carried out.
Question No: 2019/3882
Andrew Dismore
What action is Transport for London taking to ensure its tube drivers wear the appropriate protective personal equipment such as ear defenders; and what action is TfL taking to reduce noise levels inside drivers’ cabs?
Tube noise [6]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Ear protection is already made available to all of London Underground’s train operators.
Transport for London (TfL) is currently installing innovative under-rail pads in the noisiest sections of its network, to reduce in-carriage noise for both passengers and train operators.
TfL is also trialling a rail damping system on part of the Jubilee line to reduce in-carriage noise.
Question No: 2019/3883
Andrew Dismore
What engineering solutions apart from under-rail pads are Transport for London looking at to reduce tube noise?
Tube noise [7]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) is working closely with suppliers and academics to develop solutions that utilise new and emerging technologies.
For example, TfL is currently trialling a rail damping system on part of the Jubilee line, with the aim of reducing in-carriage noise. This involves fixing metal blocks encased in rubber to the rail to reduce vibration.
Question No: 2019/3884
Andrew Dismore
What environmental impact assessments, especially for noise pollution, does Transport for London carry out before relaying track?
Answer for Tube noise [8]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3885
Andrew Dismore
What research did Transport for London conduct by way of environmental impact especially for noise pollution, before embarking on its programme of replacing bull head rail and wooden sleepers with flat bottom rail and concrete sleepers in tube tunnels?
Tube noise [9]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
As set out in Mayor’s Question 2018/1541, Transport for London’s (TfL’s) understanding of noise and vibration has increased significantly since the mid-2000s when this type of track renewal was standard.
TfL now considers the impact on noise and vibration prior to carrying out this type of work. Noise and vibration have been important factors in the development of a new trackform, which has been introduced since 2015 and helps to reduce the amount of vibrational energy transmitted into the ground.
Question No: 2019/3886
Andrew Dismore
Some residents suffering from ground borne noise from tube trains have been told effectively that there is nothing that can be done to reduce the noise or reduce it further, and they have to put up with the stress and loss of sleep that results. What advice do you have for these residents?
Tube noise [10]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) is committed to reducing the noise experienced by people who live above or close to the Tube, and will continue to take all reasonable measures to minimise noise and limit the disruption it causes.
Unfortunately, there are many sites across the Underground network where, due to the age of the track infrastructure and current technology, it is not always possible to reduce the noise levels to the standards that residents would like.
Regrettably, there are some areas where noise cannot currently be reduced to standards expected by residents. TfL continues to work alongside industry and academia to further understand noise and vibration, to trial new products and innovative solutions, and work towards reducing noise and vibration for these residents.
