Transdev Rail Tackles Major Fastener Replacement at LA Metro’s Union Station
Transdev’s Rail team recently completed a major infrastructure milestone in partnership with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), replacing 1,100 direct fixation fasteners on the B and D Line tunnel at Union Station, all within an ambitious 35-hour work window.
The work, part of Metro’s ongoing five-year Metro B and D Line Mainline Fastener Replacement Project, focuses on the replacement of over 100,000 direct fixation fasteners throughout the heavy rail mainline. This State of Good Repair project to replace the fasteners will maintain rail stability and performance on one of the busiest transit networks in the United States.
The Union Station segment was a particularly high-stakes operation for Transdev. Crews were tasked with replacing fasteners across both tracks at LA’s central transit hub, where precision and timing were critical. The fast-paced operation was strategically carried out during a planned 35-hour service shutdown initiated by Metro for scheduled repair maintenance. By aligning with this maintenance window, Transdev was able to perform its work efficiently, completing the fastener replacement across both tracks in just two intensive 12-hour shifts at one of the system’s busiest hubs.
The work at Union Station highlights Transdev’s expertise in coordinating fastener replacement work with broader maintenance activities and delivering results safely and efficiently.
“This was a true showcase of teamwork, coordination, and technical expertise,” said Fred Craig, Chief Operating Officer of Rail at Transdev U.S. “Our crews were ready for the challenge, and they delivered.”
Direct fixation fasteners are essential to the integrity of a rail system. They anchor the track directly to the concrete tunnel bed, ensuring proper rail alignment and minimizing vibration and noise for passengers. Over time, these components wear down and require replacement to maintain safety standards and ride quality.
For Transdev’s rail team, this project reflects both its extensive experience in transit infrastructure and its strong working relationship with Metro. By keeping the project on schedule and adhering to rigorous safety standards, the team continues to demonstrate what effective, high-impact rail maintenance looks like in a live urban environment.
The fastener replacement work at Union Station marks another successful step in the long-term effort to modernize and preserve LA Metro’s rail system for the future.
