Chris Limon: The force behind Metro’s facilities maintenance  

As Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds, Metro recognizes the valuable contributions of its Latino workforce, which makes up 44.6% of our 11,400+ employees. Among many talented individuals keeping Metro moving is Chris Limon, who oversees the maintenance of Metro’s facilities and ensures they are always in top condition. Read on to learn more about him and his career.  

As a teenager, Chris Limon envisioned a future in professional sports, either as a football or baseball player. However, an ankle injury forced him to rethink his dreams. After graduating high school, he worked alongside his father remodeling homes, patios and garages, while holding a second job washing cars. At 19, Chris joined Metro, where he started by power washing train stations during the night shift.   

“I once considered becoming a law enforcement officer because I wanted to serve the public,” Chris recalls. But he ultimately decided to stay with Metro. “I liked the environment, the teamwork, and I saw that I could help the community here, too.”   

His dedication helped him climb the ranks quickly — from cleaning to custodian, lead custodian, managing special events, and eventually training new employees. In 2024, after 27 years of service and promotions, Chris became Metro’s Executive Officer, Operations Administration. He oversees the facilities and property maintenance teams for bus, rail and the agency’s 27-story headquarters building at Union Station.   

To understand the scale of his responsibilities, consider that Metro operates 21 divisions across Los Angeles County, 108 train stations and nearly 13,000 bus stops — referring only to the metal posts that displays routes, since the rest falls under other local jurisdictions. Chris is also responsible for the maintenance of Metro’s Rail Operations Center and Metro’s Lost and Found facilities.   

“Facilities maintenance covers everything from lighting, air conditioning, plumbing and emergency generators to electrical systems,” explains Chris. “We also ensure that fueling systems and bus and trains washers are operational.”   

At train stations, Chris and his team oversee the maintenance of everything from locks, gates, tiles, painting and sitting to platforms, mezzanines, and plazas. When Chris started at Metro, there were only 41 train stations — today, there are 108!  

One of the biggest challenges Chris and his team face is keeping our system clean, especially on the B Line. “We know there are complaints, but the truth is we never stop cleaning,” he says. His team operates in three shifts to provide round-the-clock cleaning services, ensuring stations and elevators are kept in top shape. Yet, within hours, everything can get dirty again, creating an endless cycle of work.   

“The social issues facing Los Angeles sometimes make our job harder,” Chris says. However, he also points out that many passengers value and care for public spaces. “Their appreciation keeps us going.”  
  
With over 800 people under his supervision — between mechanical, maintenance and custodians— numerous facilities to maintain, and something always in need of repair or cleaning, what drives him? “We’re an agency that moves millions of passengers…when I’m out in the system and I see grandmothers with their grandchildren, people pushing strollers, or passengers just trying to reach their destinations, I ask myself, ‘How can we improve?’” For Chris, every clean station is a reminder of his commitment to the community and his mission to create a safe, clean, and reliable system that not only keeps current riders but attracts new ones.  

Chris’s dedication to Metro runs deep in his family. His grandfather, originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, worked for 30 years as an inspector for the Pacific Electric., which ran streetcars in our region.,. His father was later a mechanic for Metro for 31 years. “They’re both gone now, but with 88 years of combined service between the three of us, we always knew that our passengers are the most important part of Metro.”   

Despite his busy schedule, Chris makes family time a priority. The father of seven, including two sets of twins, enjoys meals together, BBQs during Rams, Dodgers and Laker’s game, and taking family trips. With two of his children being autistic, Chris is also dedicated to raising awareness about autism to help build support networks within the community. As part of this, he coaches a soccer team for youth with special needs. “I always tell them they don’t have a disability—they just have different abilities.”  

A proud third-generation Latino, Chris keeps his culture alive by celebrating and honoring his late loved ones, as is traditionally done during Día de Muertos. Visiting Mexico also holds a special place in his heart.   

Today, Chris can proudly say he’s found balance between work and family. “Becoming an executive wasn’t easy, but it’s possible. The key is to stay motivated, never give up when things get tough, know when to ask for help, and always give your best,” says Chris. “What’s important is enjoying what you do and working hard to make a difference.”