TransLink restructures, cuts costs

South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) continues to restructure itself with an eye to cutting costs and becoming more efficient. On April 16, CEO Ian Jarvis implemented further changes to the executive structure, assigning new responsibilities and changing reporting relationships.

"Our focus is on improving the alignment, effectiveness and efficiency across the organization," said Jarvis. "It is important to have a leadership team committed to the key principle that we are an integrated transportation network providing a seamless experience to the customer."

Among the most recent changes, Doug Kelsey, president of the BC Rapid Transit Co. (BCRTC), which operates SkyTrain and the West Coast Express and manages the Canada Line contractor, becomes executive vice president of TransLink. He retains his role with BCRTC and takes on responsibility for emergency management and safety across the TransLink Enterprise (TransLink and its operating companies). Reporting to Kelsey are vice presidents Fred Cummings (Engineering and Implementation), Phil Christie (Real Estate) and Mike Madill (Enterprise Initiatives).

"Last year we secured $130 million in additional funding to allow us to avoid significant reductions in transit service and eliminate our structural deficit," Jarvis said. "We are committed to providing the best transportation system possible with the money we have while working toward securing future funding so that we can support the region's economic, environmental and social sustainability".

Beginning in 2009, 96 positions have been eliminated at TransLink or its operating companies, including six executives.