TransLink tabs Allen as temporary CEO

TransLink's board has named Doug Allen interim chief executive officer until a permanent replacement for former CEO Ian Jarvis is found, officials for the British Columbia agency announced last week.

Jarvis stepped aside as top executive but will remain an adviser to the board until his contract concludes in June 2016. Jarvis had been CEO since 2009 and has served TransLink since 1999.

"The board and the organization are committed to improving transit service and transportation in Metro Vancouver," said TransLink Chair Marcella Szel in a press release. "The board is listening to customers and the public regarding the need for change and has taken action.”

Allen has an extensive background in the public and private sectors in British Columbia. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of InTransit BC, the firm that built and operates the Canada Line. He is not a candidate for the TransLink CEO post permanently, and will work with the board to find his successor, agency officials said.

The new CEO will oversee a $10 billion transportation system with a $1.5 billion operating budget and 6,700 employees.