Île-de-France Mobilités advances air quality improvements in stations

Credit: Alstom

Île-de-France Mobilités (IdFM), in collaboration with RATP, SNCF and the Île-de-France Region, has launched a comprehensive action plan to enhance air quality in the underground railway enclosures of the metro and RER stations.

This initiative focuses on three primary objectives:

Better understanding and public information

To make effective changes, a transparent understanding of fine and ultrafine particle emissions in underground spaces is crucial. Currently, eight sites are equipped with permanent measuring stations, with additional measurements being conducted in stations and trains according to standardised criteria. RATP is also developing sensors to monitor ultrafine particles, all with the aim of providing more data in Open Data to inform travellers effectively.

Collaboration with AirParif

Île-de-France Mobilités has joined forces with AirParif in a three-year partnership to leverage scientific expertise, enhance measurement methods, evaluate operator-proposed solutions and recommend the most beneficial actions. As part of this partnership, they have initiated measurements of particle levels at ventilation outlets and are working on classifying PM10 and PM2.5 levels in RATP & SNCF underground enclosures, with initial results expected by the end of 2023.

Development of metro and RER trains

Modernisation efforts are underway to reduce particle emissions resulting from mechanical braking, a significant source of particles in metro tunnels. Newer metro models like MF01, MP05, MP14 and MF19 already contribute to this reduction. By 2034, Île-de-France Mobilités aims to experiment with and deploy new materials for braking systems, including less emitting brake shoes and linings, as well as a system for capturing braking particles.

Catalysing collaborative measures for better air quality and decarbonisation

To reduce fine particle concentrations, Île-de-France Mobilités is investing €57 million between 2021 and 2024 to increase the capacity and improve ventilation systems in underground railway enclosures. Over 40 fans on the RATP network will be replaced or have their capacity enhanced by 2024. In addition, targeted studies are being conducted to maximise fan flow rates and test innovative technologies to increase the flow rate of ventilators.

The region has promoted innovation by selecting technologies for experimentation in various stations. These include particle trapping solutions, particle-fixing products, mechanical filtration devices and water filtration devices. Furthermore, the Île-de-France Region has recently re-launched a call for projects to identify and assess the feasibility of other innovative solutions, with grants awarded to companies for testing filtration devices and less emitting braking materials.

These concerted efforts aim to create cleaner and healthier environments within the metro and RER stations of Île-de-France, benefitting both passengers and the overall region.