WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of Metro GM Richard Sarles announced Wednesday he is stepping down after four years at that post. Sarles, who turns 70 early next year, says he’s looking to include more time for family and friends, CBS DC reported.

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Sarles came to Metro as interim GM in 2010, before being appointed to the permanent role in 2011. Before coming to WMATA Sarles served as the executive director of New Jersey Transit.

Sarles has helmed Metro at a time that has seen massive reinvestment in rebuilding the rail system, the expansion of the Silver Line, the procurement of new 7000 series cars and updating the bus fleet, according to the report.

In a statement to the WMATA Board, Chair Tom Downs says that Sarles was critical in moving Metro past the 2009 Fort Totten collision.

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