TransLink president going to New York City; SkyTrain work scheduled

Vancouver's  TransLink Board Chair Dale Parker said that TransLink President Tom Prendergast would leave the organization to take the helm of North America's largest subway and bus system, 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 United States.

Chair
Parker noted that Prendergast leaves a strong legacy at TransLink, having
brought in industry-leading best practices. He also commended Prendergast for
his leadership role in securing a Funding Stabilization Plan for the organization
amid extremely difficult economic conditions.

Ian Jarvis,
TransLink’s chief financial officer, will assume the role of Interim President
& CEO. Jarvis participated
in the creation of TransLink more than 10 years ago, having served previously
as chief financial officer for the Greater Vancouver Regional District. He has
also served as TransLink’s chief operating officer and vice president of finance
and corporate services for Coast Mountain Bus Company. He moved back to
TransLink in February 2008 to assume his current role.

Customers
using SkyTrain on the first three weekends of November should allow an extra 10
to 15 minutes if traveling east of Edmonds Station, as the BC Rapid Transit Co.
replaces sections of the running rail in the vicinity of New Westminster
Station. This will require the closure of one track at a time for the entire
weekend, from close of service Friday night until the start of service the
following Monday morning.



The rails are
part of the original track, laid in 1985 for the opening of the Expo Line, and
are due for replacement. On the weekends of November 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22,
trains will run on a single track, alternating directions, from a single
platform at 22nd St. and New Westminster Stations. SkyTrain Attendants will be
on hand to provide directions.