Metrolinx terminates senior staffers but people want the CEO fired instead

Metrolinx has fired multiple high-level staffers amid the transit agency's struggles to deliver multiple LRT lines in Ontario, but the public wants even more blood and is demanding the termination of Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster.

As per a report from the Toronto Star on Tuesday, an internal email from Verster confirmed the departures of chief planning officer Karla Avis-Birch, and chief operating officer of rapid transit Steven Levene. 

Among other responsibilities, Levene's job with Metrolinx entailed the delivery of new light rail lines, something Metrolinx has taken considerable public heat for failing to accomplish with the embattled Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRT lines, both long overdue.

Verster's email states that the transit agency requires "the right combinations of people, competencies, processes, and structures," and while many commenters agree with this statement, a large share of these people argue that it's Verster who should be out of a job.

The fact that Verster still has a job is criminal https://t.co/8etUrFqN1n

— Rob (@robertguenette) October 16, 2024

Verster's salary skyrocketed from $101,433 in 2017 to $838,097.41 in 2023, all despite mounting delays on Toronto's overdue LRT lines, which has, understandably, made him the target of frustrated transit users demanding high-level firings at Metrolinx.

Is the CEO still getting his yearly raise?

— A Person (@MsPinto123) October 16, 2024

Several commenters argued on social media that it should be Verster out of a job.

Phil Verster is the one who needs to be fired.

— Adam ⚾️ (@GradyTripp00) October 16, 2024

Ward 12 Toronto—St. Paul's councillor, Josh Matlow, has been vocal about the Crosstown project's shortcomings and once again took to social media on Tuesday to voice his frustrations in the wake of the Metrolinx termination news.

"Metrolinx's delays have impacted local residents, shuttered small businesses, wasted tax dollars and left us all without the transit we need to tackle congestion and get to work or school on time," wrote Matlow, adding a dig that "Clearly heads are rolling because their vehicles haven't been."

Verster is useless. $800K worth of useless. Time to boot all these a&&h073s out.

— Rogue Scholar (@tsc_sjt) October 16, 2024

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT was initially scheduled to open as the TTC's Line 5 in 2020, while the Finch West LRT was anticipated to enter service as Line 6 in 2023. Neither line is operational as of October 2024, and Metrolinx has remained tight-lipped about opening timelines for the long-overdue projects.