Does the head of Metro Vancouver’s transit provider really need a $14,400 transportation allowance?
That’s the question being raised by critics who say they’re baffled by the salary and perks being advertised to attract TransLink’s next CEO.
“It’s a slap in the face to the people who take the transit system every day,” said Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation.
“I think it’s tone deaf, I think it’s wrong and I think that the TransLink board should scrap that perk immediately.”
The TransLink head office, where the new CEO will work, happens to be located near a SkyTrain station.
Critics have also cried foul about the advertised pay: $319,000 per year, the same as former CEO Ian Jarvis, plus a bonus of up to 30 per cent that could add up to $415,000 total.
By comparison, the head of the Toronto Transit Commission, Andy Byford, earns $338,000. He also oversees about 14,000 employees – more than twice as many as there are at TransLink.
The TTC boss doesn’t own a car or receive a car allowance either.
Bateman said in light of B.C.’s failed transit plebiscite, which many took as a referendum on TransLink’s operations, the salary being offered is shocking.
“Whether the board wants to recognize it or not, the public has lost confidence in their leadership,” he said. “They need to do things to restore that confidence. Job one: cut some salaries.”
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson noted that TransLink is working on a new executive compensation plan, which could affect the next CEO’s pay.
“That’s in process right now between the [TransLink] board and the Mayors’ Council and that will get sorted out in the months ahead,” he said.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone said he’s disappointed with the advertised salary, and that he expected TransLink to offer one significantly lower than the last CEO.
He is also urging the board to scrap the bonus.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Mi-Jung Lee
