Nothing is more annoying for train travelers than a delay on the track due to certain weather conditions. This is a recurring irritation item for public transport travelers every year. We are entering the autumn period again and that means different weather conditions. The leaves are falling from the trees again and unfortunately it rains more often in autumn. 

The Dutch Railways has been trying with twelve for years gel trains limit the autumn nuisance. This gel (Sandite) consists of sand, metal particles and potato starch and ensures that the track is less smooth. The humid conditions in combination with leaves on the track can cause nuisance, this causes the track to become slippery. As a result, drivers have to brake more slowly and accelerate more slowly than in normal conditions. This can cause delays on the track, which in turn bother travelers.

NS and ProRail are going to test a new method to solve the slippery problem on the track. NS project leader WRC, Jeroen van der Salm, announces in a message that NS has started a trial with Wheel Rail Conditioning (WRC). Wheel Rail Conditioning is a fluid that is used to prevent slippery conditions, to reduce wear on train wheels and rails and to reduce noise pollution. 

The Dutch Railways already applies this liquid to the track by means of fixed installations, now they are also going to distribute the liquid over the track with 58 Flirt Sprinters while driving. This method allows the liquid to be applied more effectively and more evenly to the track. Several studies and tests have shown that the application of this liquid is very effective as a lubricant. That is why NS is going to use the liquid on a large scale with this test. The trial will last until after the autumn of next year.

Also read: Minister Lydia Peeters revises the 15-minute rule for the taxi sector