VANCOUVER — Changes are in store for Metro Vancouver’s regional transportation authority with the departure of its president and a recent government review.

Last week, board chair Dale Parker revealed TransLink president Tom Prendergast is leaving the organization to take the helm of North America’s largest subway and bus system, the New York City Transit Authority.

“The fact that Tom is being recruited to serve as president of the New York City Transit Authority is a testament to the great skills and experience he brought to TransLink during his tenure,” said Parker. “We are sad to see him go, but wish him well as he returns to his roots in New York.”

Prendergast joined TransLink in July 2008 from the New York region, having previously served as senior vice-president of New York’s subway system and as president of the Long Island Rail Road, the largest commuter railroad in the U.S.

Ian Jarvis, TransLink’s CFO, will assume the role of interim president and CEO.

“The critical challenges facing TransLink today are financial in nature,” said Parker. “Ian will work closely with the board to ensure no time is lost in ongoing efforts to foster organizational efficiencies and effectiveness, along with implementing the recently approved Funding Stabilization Plan.”

Another challenge facing TransLink will be incorporating recommendations stemming from a recent government review.

Earlier this summer, Transportation Minister Shirley Bond called for a fiscal and governance review of both TransLink and BC Ferries. The recently released review offered more than 20 recommendations for each organization in four general categories, including planning, governance, opportunities for efficiencies and funding.

“This review is timely, as it’s been six years since BC Ferries was restructured and two years since TransLink was reorganized,” said Bond. “We believe it’s important both organizations are meeting the financial and service expectations that came with their new models.”

Specifically recommendations for TransLink included: have more flexible time frames for plan developments; have shorter term requirements for a fully funded plan; convert the Mayors’ Council into a Transit Authority, with 20 percent of the members appointed by the province; TransLink should rationalize the size of its executive team, set specific cost reduction targets and conduct on-going service rationalization; existing revenue streams should be maximized before exploring new revenue sources; the province should consider reviewing the existing limits in the revenue streams currently available to TransLink; and maintain the guiding principle of balance between the types of revenue streams (one-third from existing vehicle related taxes, one-third from property taxes, one-third from other revenues such as fares, advertising, land, etc).

Recommendations also included that the Transit Authority to exercise shareholder powers, including: appointment and removal of board members using competency base criteria; approval of Board remunerations and other terms of appointment; and approval of executive compensation using public sector guidelines.