The transportation of goods and passengers by rail is not silent. To reduce noise and thus increase the acceptance of rail transport, Deutsche Bahn is therefore relieving the burden on the people who live along the routes. One example: since 2020, DB Cargo Deutschland's entire active freight car fleet in Germany has been significantly running quieter on the track thanks to “whisper brakes”.

Cutting noise in half with whisper brakes 

Freight cars are traditionally braked with brake blocks made of metallic cast iron. However, the brake blocks roughen the running surfaces of the wheels, which generates noise as the train passes by. By converting to so-called whisper brakes made of composite materials, the rolling noise can be significantly reduced. The smoother the wheel and rail, the quieter the rolling noise.

Together with the federal government, Deutsche Bahn aims to relieve more than 800,000 residents from rail traffic noise by 2030. And by 2050, rail noise will be reduced for all affected residents - this will affect more than 1.6 million people.

This is ensured by a mix of noise protection measures on the infrastructure — such as the construction of noise barriers — and on the vehicles — including the use of quiet and climate-friendly hybrid shunting locomotives. In addition, DB is developing innovative technologies on vehicles and tracks to further reduce rail traffic noise.