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A Daily Life Disrupted by Disproportionate Nuisances

Since the summer of 2021, residents along metro lines 1 and 5 in Brussels have been experiencing excessive noise and vibrations caused by the premature wear of the wheels on the new M7 metro trains, resulting from manufacturing defects. The intense noise penetrates homes, and the vibrations make walls shake, even causing objects to move.

The metro operates daily from 5 AM to 1 AM, meaning 20 hours out of 24, with a train passing every 1.5 minutes during peak hours. This leaves barely four hours of daily respite, which is far from sufficient to ensure restful sleep. Even the Minister of Mobility acknowledges that the nuisances are disproportionate: occasional metro noise might be acceptable, but the current intensity makes the situation unbearable.

You Are Not Alone: These Nuisances Affect Many People

If you are experiencing these disturbances, know that many other residents are facing the exact same situation. These nuisances affect the quality of life and health of thousands of people. Entire families, including elderly individuals and children, suffer from fatigue, stress, and difficulty living under these conditions.

The noise and vibration levels consistently exceed recommended standards (DIN 4150-2), both day and night. Brussels Environment (IBGE) has received so many complaints that they now refuse to process new ones. Complaints have been filed by the municipalities of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, and some members of the municipalities of Etterbeek and Anderlecht are considering doing the same. This proves that the problem is widespread.

Frequently Asked Questions

"The metro inevitably makes noise, shouldn't residents expect that?"

No. Living near a metro means accepting a reasonable and predictable level of noise. However, the current disturbances are due to technical defects in the M7 trains introduced in 2021. These problems are new and unexpected. The current nuisances are unacceptable due to both their frequency and intensity.

"If this were a real problem, wouldn't it be widely known?"

Yes, the problem is real and well known. The Minister of Mobility has admitted that the disturbances are disproportionate. The STIB/MIVB itself acknowledges the issue and has attempted measures that have not provided lasting solutions. The media is covering the situation (see Links: Press).

"Is the problem really that serious?"

Yes. The noise and vibrations are so intense that some residents feel as if they are living inside a metro station. This leads to sleep disorders, anxiety, and chronic stress. Additionally, some residents fear for the structural safety of their buildings.

"Can't you just adapt?"

No. Unlike airborne noise, structure-borne noise, which comes from vibrations transmitted through buildings, cannot be mitigated with acoustic panels or simple solutions. Additionally, the vibrations propagate through building foundations, making walls shake and objects move.

To truly isolate homes, each affected building's foundation would need to be redesigned and physically insulated, which is technically and financially unrealistic. Therefore, the issue must be addressed at its source—within the metro system itself.

"Who is responsible?"

The STIB/MIVB is directly responsible, as its M7 trains have a manufacturing defect that causes wheel ovalization. This problem not only generates noise and vibrations but also leads to abnormal rail wear. As the rails degrade, they further accelerate wheel wear, creating a vicious cycle that worsens the disturbances and deteriorates metro infrastructure.

"Has the STIB/MIVB attempted to solve the problem?"

The STIB/MIVB claims to have implemented temporary measures such as rail grinding and wheel re-profiling, but these actions have lost effectiveness. Residents continue to endure these disproportionate nuisances.

"What solutions do you propose?"

It is not up to us to solve this problem. As residents, we are neither specialized engineers nor the cause of this situation. The STIB/MIVB has both the responsibility and the means to implement effective solutions.

"What about political leaders?"

The regional authorities are responsible for overseeing the STIB/MIVB. They have signed agreements with the transport company, but these agreements are mere promises without legally binding enforcement. Despite repeated complaints, the Region still refuses to impose strict regulations to protect residents.

STIB/MIVB's Actions: Insufficient Efforts

The STIB/MIVB has identified the root cause of the disturbances: technical defects in the M7 wheels (ovalization). The premature wear is reportedly due to a poor choice of materials.

Measures have been implemented, but they remain insufficient and ineffective:

• Rail grinding: its effects last only one to two weeks at most.
• Wheel re-profiling: differences persist between trains, this measure does not work for the entire fleet, and it is not a long-term solution.
• Suspension tests: no impact, as acknowledged by the STIB/MIVB itself.

The STIB/MIVB has also tested prototype wheels from another supplier. However, these tests are dragging on, and no concrete results have yet been published. Even if approved, it will take almost three years to replace all defective wheels. This leaves residents without any short- or medium-term solution.

The Responsibility of Regional Authorities

Metro disturbances are not just a technical issue; they also reflect a political failure. The Brussels-Capital Region has the power to impose binding regulations on the STIB/MIVB, but it refuses to do so despite repeated requests from residents.

The authorities continue to adopt non-binding agreements and plans that have no real impact on reducing nuisances (see Links: Plans and agreements of the Brussels Region). These documents, often presented as progress, are actually just vague commitments without sanctions or obligations for the STIB/MIVB. Meanwhile, residents continue to suffer from unacceptable levels of noise and vibrations daily, without effective measures being taken. This inaction demonstrates a lack of political will to genuinely protect citizens' quality of life from the failures of an unchecked public operator.

Authorities continue to prioritize costly projects like Line 3 while neglecting existing network problems. Instead of investing in new lines, the Region should first focus on maintaining and improving current infrastructure.

Together, Let's Make a Change

Metro nuisances are not inevitable. The STIB/MIVB and political leaders must take responsibility. This citizen initiative aims to defend residents' rights and push for lasting solutions. Join us to make our voices heard and achieve real change.