Metrolinx head moves to federal infrastructure bank
After nearly seven years at the helm of Metrolinx, Bruce McCuaig is stepping down as president and CEO of the regional transit agency.
Metrolinx issued a press release Tuesday afternoon announcing that McCuaig is leaving his post and will be taking a job in the federal government as an executive adviser at the new Canada Infrastructure Bank. His last day will be April 14.
“Bruce’s decision is a big loss for Metrolinx, but an equally big win for Canada’s ambitions to finance and build infrastructure,” said Rob Prichard, chair of the Metrolinx board of directors.
Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca also issued a statement thanking McCuaig for his service.
“Bruce has consistently demon- strated exemplary leadership, both at Metrolinx and during his time in the Ontario public service, and I am grateful to him for his hard work and dedication,” he said.
McCuaig assumed the top job at Metrolinx in September 2010, four years after the agency was formed. Prior to that, he had worked in the public service for more than 25 years, including a stint as deputy minister at the Ontario transportation ministry.
As head of Metrolinx, he was responsible for billions of dollars in transit investment in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, including a $13.5-billion upgrade to GO Transit service and $8.4 billion worth of LRT and subway lines in Toronto.
In the press release, McCuaig was quoted as telling employees that “I have enjoyed every moment of being part of this endeavour.”
As major accomplishments under his tenure, he cited completing tunnelling for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, launching the Union Pearson (UP) Express, partnering with York Region on the Viva Rapidway bus line, entering into the first community benefits agreement in Canada, and expanding GO service and the Presto fare card system. He also said that during his time, Metrolinx had laid the groundwork for major projects such as regional express rail, and LRT lines in Toronto, Hamilton, and Mississauga.
His tenure has not always gone smoothly, however, and some of Metrolinx’s highest profile projects encountered problems in recent years. Ridership on the $456-million UP Express was abysmal until the agency agreed to slash fares nine months after it opened. The Presto program has been plagued with reliability problems and in November, Metrolinx was the subject of a scathing auditor general’s report on procurement practices that embarrassed the provincial Liberal government. Meanwhile, the Eglinton Crosstown project is in danger of being derailed by a lawsuit launched by vehicle supplier Bombardier.
John Jensen, Metrolinx’s chief capital officer, will serve as interim CEO when McCuaig steps down.