The CEO of TransLink has stepped down ahead of a pending referendum to fund billions of dollars’ worth of Metro Vancouver transportation projects with a tax hike.

Ian Jarvis will remain an advisor to TransLink’s Board of Directors until his contract is up in June 2016, the transit provider announced Wednesday, and will be replaced in the interim by former InTransit president Doug Allen.

TransLink said it expects the search for a permanent replacement to take months, and hopes the successful candidate will bolster riders’ trust in its operations.

“The Board of Directors is listening to customers and the public regarding the need for change and has taken action,” chair Marcella Szel said in a statement.

“TransLink must restore public confidence, and new leadership is the first step.”

TransLink thanked Jarvis for his service, noting that it has added $250 million to its bottom line over the last three years under his watch. The transit provider used to lose more than $200 million annually.

Jarvis will continue making his salary and bonus, totalling $468,000, until his contract expires, while Allen will be paid $35,000 a month for six months.

After the announcement, Allen, who is not a candidate for the permanent position, pledged to embrace his temporary role to the fullest.

“I will hold people to account. I will extract efficiencies. I will be an active manager,” Allen said.

TransLink said Allen will oversee the yet-to-launch Compass card program, help implement recommendations from a review of last year’s frustrating SkyTrain outages, and take part in other initiatives.

The transit provider confirmed he will not be paid bonuses or a car allowance, perks awarded to previous CEOs.

Doubts about TransLink’s financial efficiency have been a key aspect of the “No” campaign in the upcoming referendum, spearheaded by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which argues TransLink isn’t capable of delivering its promises on budget.

TransLink said the proposed provincial sales tax hike of 0.5 per cent would fund $7.5 billion in projects and improvements, including a new Pattullo Bridge, a Broadway SkyTrain line, light rail in Surrey, additional buses on busy routes, general road maintenance, and more.

“Yes” advocates warn that a million more residents are expected in the region over the next 30 years, and that traffic congestion will get worse and worse without more investment in public transit.

The mail-in referendum ballots will be sent out in mid-March.