Since the new M7 metro trains entered service, noise and vibration nuisances on line 1 have prompted numerous complaints from residents. Despite measures put in place by STIB, such as more frequent wheel reprofiling, the nuisance persists, particularly at night, turning residents' daily lives into a real ordeal.
Recently, Ombuds Brussels issued a series of recommendations for Brussels Environment, STIB, and the Brussels Government. Among those addressed to STIB is notably the reduction of metro speed on the most problematic sections, an essential measure to limit the nuisance.
The Montgomery-Tomberg section is the most affected by noise and vibration nuisance due to abnormal wear of the M7 wheels.
Faced with these problems, the MR group in the Brussels Parliament has for years been questioning regional authorities, relaying the concerns of many residents.
Amélie PANS questioned minister Elke Van den Brandt this Friday in the Brussels Parliament. In her response, the minister confirmed that STIB has committed to testing, for a few days, a speed reduction of M7 metros between 10pm and 7am on the Montgomery-Tomberg section, to assess its impact on the noise and vibration nuisance suffered by residents.
"As a parliamentarian, but also as a municipal councillor in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, I am relieved to see this matter moving forward after so many reports and complaints. This test phase is a first step, but it must be implemented without delay. Residents can no longer wait", said Amélie PANS.
Aurélie CZEKALSKI, MR MP who has been following this matter since 2022 in the Brussels Parliament, adds:
"I welcome the positive and constructive role of minister Van den Brandt in this matter, who hears the distress of residents and is setting up a test phase of speed reduction on this problematic section. However, the MR would have wanted the speed to remain reduced until the final test report is obtained. If the test shows reduced vibrations, we expect STIB to reduce speed until this problem is permanently resolved."
For the MR MPs: "This is finally a first concrete measure, but three days of testing is derisory! Residents have been suffering this nuisance for far too long, and it is unacceptable to settle for such a short speed-reduction period for such a serious problem. The MR deplores this delay and demands that this speed reduction be maintained as long as no definitive solution is found. STIB must assume its societal responsibilities and stop stalling."