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After a trying 2009 that included several fatal accidents and a safety investigation, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager John Catoe has decided to retire, ending his three-year stint in the top post. He plans to leave the agency April 2.

“I have decided that it is time for me to channel my future in new directions and provide this organization an opportunity to move beyond the current distractions,” said Catoe in a letter to WMATA’s board. “I know that regardless of the quality of my contributions, the events of the past six months and related incessant publicity have created an unhealthy distraction for the organization.”

Catoe succeeded long-time GM Richard White in January 2007. Prior to joining WMATA, he was deputy chief executive officer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

WMATA plans to immediately launch a leadership transition process and search for Catoe’s successor.