The American company Wabtec has recently made waves with the introduction of groundbreaking brake technology into the urban rail system in Paris. This development was reported by the reputable railway transport news portal, Railway Supply.
The revolutionary friction materials integrated into the brake pads are expected to significantly reduce particulate emissions during braking, leading to a notable enhancement of air quality in the tunnels.
The significance of environmental sustainability has been steadily escalating, particularly in megacities such as Paris.
The subterranean train tunnels in urban centres, where train operations are intensive, are prone to heightened concentrations of pollutants, often attributed to the braking systems of trains releasing particulates during operation.
Wabtec’s cutting-edge solution is geared towards a remarkable 70-90% reduction in these emissions, marking a substantial stride towards the amelioration of the environmental landscape.
Among the extensive network of urban railways in Paris, the RER A line stands out as one of the most heavily traversed, spanning an impressive 108.5 km and linking the suburbs with the bustling city centre.
The line not only facilitates seamless travel but also entails frequent halts at subterranean stations, underscoring the pivotal significance of a top-tier braking system.
With the advent of the innovative Green Friction technology, the operation of the RER A line is poised to usher in a new era of environmental consciousness.
The development of the Green Friction technology commenced in 2019, followed by an exhaustive year-long testing phase involving a select portion of the train fleet.
The outcomes of the extensive testing yielded exceedingly high levels of efficiency pertaining to the new solution. Subsequently, the urban and regional transport authorities in Paris – RATP and IdFM – lauded Wabtec’s innovation as a resounding success, deeming it ready for widespread adoption.
Commencing from 2024, the state-of-the-art brake pads will be systematically installed in all MI 09 double-decker trains operational on the RER A line.
These trains, constituting of five cars each, were collectively manufactured by Alstom and Bombardier Transportation between 2010 and 2017, with a total of 140 train sets in service on the line. This monumental change signifies a momentous transition towards the adoption of eco-friendly technologies within Paris’s transport infrastructure.
The implementation of Wabtec’s ground-breaking brake technology in Paris’s rail system serves as a pivotal stride in the direction of fortifying air quality in the city.
By curtailing particulate emissions during braking, not only are the environmental conditions in the tunnels markedly improved, but the health and well-being of passengers and metro personnel also stand to benefit significantly.
Wabtec’s pioneering solution is a glowing testament to the potential of modern technologies in the realm of addressing pressing environmental concerns within densely populated urban areas.
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