Noise on parked trains - Measurement procedures and noise data collection criteria - NOVITÀ project

The International Union of Railways (UIC), through its Noise and Vibration (NV) Sector, works with its members to better understand noise-generating mechanisms, in order to make tangible progress towards being a better neighbour. The UIC NV Sector's vision is to provide a global dialogue to integrate sustainability into railway operations and maintenance with a common goal to better manage noise emissions.

Noise from new, to-be-homologated trains is regulated at European level by the TSI Noise [8], with trains at a standstill and stationary, but not yet parked, being covered. However, this is expected to be included in the next TSI revision in 2028/2029. Furthermore, to reduce noise from parked trains, additional requirements for specific components may be necessary under specific conditions or should be specified upon request by the purchaser.

This IRS aims to ensure that measured data is comparable, so that it can be used in standardisation and legislation committees and to develop noise reduction methods.

The guidelines are designed for railway operators, infrastructure managers, acoustic consultants, and other stakeholders interested in carrying out noise measurements from parked trains. They ensure that noise measurements are carried out so that they provide comparable and repeatable results. 

This IRS was approved by the UIC Sustainability Department and with the support of the UIC NV sector members. The necessary information was shared with other relevant UIC working groups within the Rail System Department.

This IRS's objectives are as follows:

- Guide the railway sector with a harmonised methodology to measure noise from parked trains.

- Provide practical guidelines on how to implement ISO 3095:2025, Annex H [3] for measuring the noise of parked trains.

- Ensure that all interested parties have the same level of knowledge to perform comparable parking noise measurements.

- Ensure that any noise data collected is comparable.

- Support the development/introduction of further noise reduction methods.

It integrates in full or in part the following UIC leaflets:

- none

It complements the following standards:

- ISO 3095:2025: Acoustics - Railway applications - Measurement of noise emitted by railbound vehicles.

- ISO 3095:2025: Annex H - Noise from parked trains.