Wabtec and RATP Partner to Test Innovative “Green Friction” Braking Solutions

Wabtec and RATP, Paris region operator as well a major international public transport operator, had put in place a partnership to test Wabtec’s innovative Green Friction braking solution. The test will study the solution’s ability to improve air quality in Paris tunnels by drastically reducing the micro-particles emitted from friction braking.

“Transit authorities around the world are looking for ways to improve air quality throughout their network and especially in their tunnels,” said Lilian Leroux, President of Wabtec’s Transit Business. “One challenge is to offer an innovative new friction material with nearly no particle emissions, while at the same time maintaining performance, durability and safety. Through this partnership, we will demonstrate how our Green Friction solution meets all those requirements and significantly reduces braking emissions.”

Wabtec’s "Green Friction" technology is the result of the company’s expertise in friction materials and significant investments in the methodology of measuring the particles emitted during braking. The solution is expected to reduce particle emissions from friction braking on metro trains by up to 90 percent.

The testing with RATP started in October 2020. The study will assess the materials currently used on the trains, as well as evaluate the performance and particle emissions of the most suitable "Green Friction" material. Finally, the companies will conduct operational testing of the new friction materials on the disc brake system of suburban type trains.

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