Metrolinx report cites inspection failures in Union Station derailment

A Metrolinx report has identified that an overreliance on visual inspections likely contributed to a GO Transit train derailment at Toronto’s Union Station on February 2. The investigation found that the derailment was caused by missing or degraded screws on a railway track, where only two screws were installed per plate instead of the four required under new standards implemented last year.

The report noted that screws across nine consecutive timber ties were loose, missing, or degraded, causing the rail to shift approximately 3.5 centimetres. Investigators highlighted limitations in routine visual inspections, noting they cannot reliably determine the remaining holding strength or clamping effectiveness of fasteners. Additionally, annual geometry testing intervals made it difficult to detect degradation that occurs between scheduled tests.

Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay stated that the incident was caused by a “legacy infrastructure condition that developed progressively over time,” noting that no mechanical deficiencies or non-compliant actions by the train crew were identified. The investigation also revealed that while Metrolinx had tightened track fastening standards, there was no existing program to retroactively bring older infrastructure up to these new requirements unless the track was already undergoing maintenance or renewal.