De Lijn ordered to address tram noise in Ghent by early next year
Public transport company De Lijn has acknowledged that trams on Bernard Spaelaan in Ghent are causing serious noise pollution and must propose solutions by January 2026, VRT reports. The admission follows years of complaints from residents, who say the “whining and hissing” sounds from passing trams have made life increasingly difficult.
“We’re pleased that De Lijn acknowledges the problem and will now also help find solutions by January,” said resident Adelbrecht Haenebalcke, who, along with two neighbours, brought the case before the Justice of the Peace last week. “We represent many more people who are fed up with the constant noise pollution. We’ve tried everything in recent years, but nothing has helped.”
Heavier trams and increased frequency
According to residents, the nuisance worsened with the introduction of heavier Albatros trams and an increase in frequency, resulting in nearly 700 trams that run daily, often late into the night. Some noise levels reportedly reach 100 decibels. “We are demanding measures, including protection for our sleep,” said Haenebalcke.
During a conciliation hearing, De Lijn admitted that a high-pitched squeal and a hissing noise were causing significant disturbance. The company has until 21 January to propose measures to reduce the impact. “We’ve established several working groups to explore solutions,” said De Lijn spokesperson Jens Van Herp.
Among the options under discussion are deploying smaller trams or night buses during off-peak hours and strictly enforcing the 15 km/h speed limit. The city of Ghent, which attended the hearing through legal representatives, has declined to comment.
Technical causes and possible solutions
De Lijn explained that the noise stems from "curve squeal", which occurs when tram wheels rub against the rails on tight bends or switches. The company plans to expand the use of track lubrication systems, which can reduce the noise by up to 50 per cent.
The issue is not confined to Ghent; similar complaints have been reported along the coast in Knokke and Ostend. “We’re learning from this and hope to address the nuisance everywhere,” De Lijn said.
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