Cities clamp down on noise
Noise pollution in cities is becoming an increasing concern, and one way to mitigate the increase in noise is to ensure that public transport runs as quietly as possible. The EU-funded project 'Quiet city transport' (QCITY) established a technology infrastructure to control rail and road noise. QCITY launched its mandate by providing municipalities and urban transport operators with new approaches and technical solutions to prepare noise maps and develop action plans, in line with EU directives. This involved using existing data to calculate noise, as well as developing software to evaluate and classify alternatives for a given situation. It also involved investigating proposed noise reduction solutions by considering applicability, acoustic effects and costs of these solutions. In addition, the project sought to offer cities and transport network operations solutions aimed at specific noise complaints, especially in local noise hotspots. Examples include noise from squealing trams and stopping busses. The first phase of the project saw the completion of noise mapping and hotspot identification for different cities, including action plans and the expected benefits of mitigation measures. The second phase involved outlining perception of vehicle noise sources and the third explored the most promising solutions, followed by the implementation of proposed solutions in specific cities. QCITY actions have laid the groundwork for quietening urban noise pollution and have begun to raise the standard of living in major European cities.
