New Brussels metro rolling stock suffers from above-average wheel wear
Operator MIVB in Brussels is experiencing difficulties with its new CAF-produced M7 metro rolling stock. Above-average wheel wear is causing excessive noise and vibration impact, resulting in complaints from citizens. MIVB has accelerated its preventative maintenance programme as a result.
Since the start of the year, MIVB has received numerous complaints from people living near the metrotunnels. The uptick in complaints coincided with the introduction of the new M7 rolling stock on certain lines. Analysis revealed wheel wear that normally only appears after several thousand kilometres. Curiously, not all wheels are affected the MIVB has determined.
The Brussels operator has since installed track-side monitoring equipment to detect out-of-round wheels so as to better schedule its maintenance activities. Some 800 wheels have already been corrected, MIVB told sister publication RailTech.be during a visit of the maintenance facility.
Correcting the faulty wheels is only a temporary solution, and MIVB is in talks with manufacturer CAF to arrive at a more permanent solution.
MIVB has also established elevated track wear following the increase in the frequency of metro services on certain lines. The company’s track maintenance schedule has been adapted accordingly, it said.
This piece was first published by our sister publication RailTech.be. Interested in the Belgian rail market? Join us in Brussels in June for RailTech Belgium 2023. Click here for more information.
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