NOVITÀ

Noise and vibration technical advice

Working together to become a better neighbour

Project information

Acronym: NOVITÀ
NOise and VIbration Technical Advice
Project Director: Pinar Yilmazer
Project Manager: Monika Rukia
Chairs: Alf Ekblad (Trafikverket), Jamie Wilkes (Network Rail)
Project start date: 2021
Status: Global - Permanent activity

Building on the success of the Noise Technical Advice project (2018-2021), NOVITÀ is a long-standing international partnership that brings together railway experts and organisations to advance noise and vibration management. Through its active global network, members are able to develop technical guidance, share best practices, and drive innovation to support quieter and more sustainable railways.

Project Description

The NOVITÀ Framework ensures funding for the UIC Noise and Vibration Sector within the UIC Sustainability Platform, providing a global stage for railway stakeholders to address noise and vibration challenges.

NOVITÀ is a member-driven initiative. Each year, the members define the work programme, set priorities, publish technical reports and guidance documents, and undertake activities to help share knowledge. They also organise workshops and technical events and represent the sector at European and international conferences.

Through regular sector meetings, dedicated working groups, and collaborative technical activities, NOVITÀ enables infrastructure managers and railway undertakings to share expertise, develop practical solutions, and promote harmonised approaches to railway noise and vibration management.

As one of the world’s most sustainable modes of transport, rail plays a vital role in achieving environmental and climate goals. Effective noise and vibration management is therefore essential to maintaining this advantage whilst improving the quality of life for communities. The NOVITÀ Framework supports this drive by enabling its members to work collectively towards practical, innovative, and sustainable solutions.

Currently, the framework brings together 22 infrastructure managers and railway undertakings, together with research organisations, industry representatives, and public authorities. New members are welcome to join at any time to contribute their expertise, discuss the annual work programme, and help shape the future of railway noise and vibration management.

Key Objectives

Promote international cooperation on railway noise and vibration management
Support research and innovation through technical studies and expert working groups
Contribute to policy and standardisation by providing technical expertise to European and international initiatives
Facilitate knowledge sharing through sector meetings, workshops, and technical events
Advocate for sustainable rail transport by encouraging effective noise and vibration mitigation measures

Working groups (dated in 2026)

The UIC Noise and Vibration Sector establishes dedicated working groups in response to priorities identified by its members. New working groups are created when there is sufficient interest in a specific emerging technical challenge, regulatory development, or operational issue affecting the railway sector. Each group is member-led, with a clearly defined scope, objectives, and deliverables, such as UIC technical reports, International Railway Solutions (IRS), guidance documents, technical and political recommendations, research studies, or contributions to European and international initiatives. Current working groups include:

Noise Working Group: Brings together noise experts to discuss railway noise management, emerging technical issues and regulatory developments, and identify priorities for future activities. The group supports the development of technical guidance, promotes international collaboration, and contributes to activities at European level aiming to reduce railway noise and improving the sustainable functioning of the railway sector. The Noise Working Group currently includes the following sub-groups:
- Vehicle Noise Working Group: Established to address the growing challenge created by from parked and stationary trains, which continues to affect communities living near railway infrastructure. As noise from parked trains is not currently regulated, and the European noise framework is reviewing potential limit values, the working group brings together international railway experts to develop technical guidance, provide scientific evidence, and assess population exposure. Its work supports evidence-based decision-making and demonstrates how appropriate limit values and mitigation measures could reduce noise nuisance while maintaining efficient railway operations.
- ACORD Project: A dedicated opt-in project with a limited timeline, created to address the need for a better understanding of acoustic rail roughness and to improve reprofiling methods for noise reduction. Building on the former Acoustic Rail Roughness Working Group, the project focuses on advancing rail roughness measurement approaches and supporting the harmonisation of on-board monitoring systems. (link)
- Curve Squeal Working Group: The group develops practical solutions and shares operational experience to better understand, assess, and mitigate curve squeal.

Vibration Working Group: The group shares expertise and develops methodologies to better understand railway vibration and mitigation measures.

The working groups meet according to the agreed work programme and project needs, typically at least three times per year, ensuring steady progress towards their technical objectives and agreed deliverables.

Communication and dissemination:

NOVITÀ provides a range of opportunities for members to network, disseminate technical outcomes, and have contact with the international railway community.

Two UIC Noise and Vibration Sector meetings each year
The UIC Railway Noise Days organised every two years as part of the UIC Sustainability Action Week
Dedicated working group meetings, held according to project needs and member priorities (typically at least five meetings per year for each active working group)
Representation of members and technical outcomes at European and international conferences, workshops, and expert forums

Members

The UIC Noise and Vibration Sector bring together 22 member organisations from across the world and including infrastructure managers and railway undertakings.