Request ID: FOI-0745-2223 Date published: 05 July 2022
You asked
I am requesting latest statistics on noise levels for the worst offenders (ie sections of specific lines with typical dBA levels.
do the noise levels exceed statutory limits or best practice limits?
What limits does TFL consider acceptable for track noise for passengers? What objectives does TFl set itself in this respect?
I would like to know what specific actions and programmes are aimed at the noise issue of squealing rails on the Jubilee line track?
Can you therefore confirm what is different about the Jubilee line track on that section as compared to other lines?
have TFL considered slowing down the trains on particular sections of track?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0745-2223
Thank you for your request received by us on 13 June 2021 asking for information about noise levels on the Jubilee Line.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. Specifically you asked:
4/does tfl carry out routine noise monitoring and if so which lines are the worst offenders?
According to the doc, you do monitor reported noise levels.
Therefore I am requesting latest statistics on noise levels for the worst offenders (ie sections of specific lines with typical dBA levels.
Please find the noise data in the table below.
This data is taken from within the train cab close to the train operators ear location. Noise levels are the A weighted average during the journey station to station. Typical in train noise level for tube tunnel sections is between 80-85dB The data is correct as of 30th June 2022.
Line
From
To
dB Aleq
Central
Wanstead
Leytonstone
96.3
Central
Liverpool Street
Bethnal Green
95.3
Central
Stratford
Leyton
93.6
Jubilee
Canada Water
Canary Wharf
93.2
Jubilee
St John's Wood
Baker Street
92.8
Jubilee
Green Park
Bond Street
92.8
Central
Holland Park
Notting Hill Gate
91.9
Victoria
Oxford Circus
Warren Street
91.4
Jubilee
Canary Wharf
North Greenwich
91.2
Jubilee
Canning Town
North Greenwich
91.2
Jubilee
North Greenwich
Canary Wharf
91.1
Northern
Camden Town
Euston
91.0
Northern
Camden Town
Euston
91.0
Northern
Kentish Town
Camden Town
90.6
Jubilee
North Greenwich
Canning Town
90.5
Victoria
Stockwell
Vauxhall
89.6
Victoria
King's Cross
Euston
89.5
Northern
Camden Town
Kentish Town
89.3
Victoria
Pimlico
Victoria
89.1
Central
Leytonstone
Wanstead
88.9
Victoria
Vauxhall
Stockwell
88.8
Northern
Euston
Camden Town
88.3
Northern
Euston
Camden Town
88.3
Jubilee
Baker Street
St John's Wood
88.2
Northern
Kentish Town
Tufnell Park
87.9
Victoria
Euston
King's Cross
85.5
Victoria
Oxford Circus
Green Park
85.1
5/do the noise levels exceed statutory limits or best practice limits?
There are clearly no statutory legal limits….but there must surely be best practice limits laid down and endorsed by national or international bodies. Especially so, since workplace limits do exist.
What limits does TFL consider acceptable for track noise for passengers? What objectives does TFl set itself in this respect?
We consider the occupational health impact of noise on our train operators, as they spend the most time in the tunnels. In doing so, we are able to consider the worst-case scenario. Health and Safety Executive’s guidance – which we work within across all Tube lines - is used as our tool to measure exposure. The measurements are calculated over a 8 hour time weighted average to determine the overall exposure for the average working day.
6/ are there any mitigation measures in place or planned or any engineering programs to reduce the noise?
The document answers this question but I would like to know what specific actions and programmes are aimed at the noise issue of squealing rails on the Jubilee line track?
The main tool used at mitigating in tunnel noise, is rail grinding which is really effective at reducing rail roughness which is a large contributor to the in-tunnel noise. In addition to this, we are currently exploring the impacts of strategically placed track lubricators to help reduce the friction between the wheels and the rails. We are also constantly exploring the market for suitable solutions that could work in the very bespoke tunnel structure of the London Underground.
Can you therefore confirm what is different about the Jubilee line track on that section as compared to other lines?
The Jubilee tracks are similar to other London Underground lines, however there are more curved sections along the east end of the Jubilee Line. Curved sections of tracks tend to have higher levels of rail roughness due to the way the train travels through the curves.
Since it appears that it will not easily be solved have TFL considered slowing down the trains on particular sections of track? It appears to be the issue is worse with speed. At minimum it would be advisable to post some warnings on the relevant station concourses.
We recognise that by decreasing the speed of the trains, there is a tangible decrease in the noise. However this has an adverse impact on the service provision for the traveling public. The slightest change results in less trains being available and trains being much busier due to a longer wait time.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
