Dec 2, 2024 – Million-Dollar Man at Metrolinx: A Tale of Delays, Dollars, and Departure.
In a stunning turn of events that has left taxpayers reeling, Phil Verster, the embattled CEO of Metrolinx, has finally stepped down after a tenure marked by ballooning budgets, perpetual delays, and a salary that soared into the stratosphere of public sector compensation. Here’s the inside scoop that might just make you question where your transit dollars are going.
A Premier’s Controversial Choice
Back in 2017, under the Liberal government’s watch, Verster was brought in with much fanfare, promising a new dawn for the GTHA’s transit system. Fast forward to now, and the name Phil Verster is synonymous with the term ‘delay’ – particularly when it comes to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, a project with an expected completion date that’s become as mythical as the unicorn.
The Salary Shock
What’s perhaps more shocking than the delays is Verster’s compensation. Starting with a salary that already raised eyebrows at nearly half a million dollars, his pay packet saw a meteoric rise. Under the current Conservative government led by Premier Doug Ford, Verster’s salary escalated to over $856,000 annually – a 65% increase from his starting pay. This, despite the persistent delays and the fact that millions of Ontarians are still waiting for promised transit improvements.
The Car Allowance Conundrum
Adding insult to injury, for the past five years, Verster has pocketed a $12,000 vehicle allowance, a perk he reportedly didn’t need since he didn’t own a car. This revelation, uncovered by Global News, has only fueled the fire of public discontent, painting a picture of a CEO living large while transit projects languished.
The Ford Government’s Stance
The Ford administration, initially vocal about reigning in public sector executive pay, surprisingly chose to extend Verster’s contract. This move, coupled with the salary hikes, has left many to wonder about the oversight or the lack thereof by the government. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, when pressed for comments, has been notably vague, focusing on broad commitments to transit without addressing the elephant in the room – Verster’s tenure.
The Departure
Verster’s resignation comes at a time when his name had become synonymous with Metrolinx’s failures rather than successes. The decision to resign has been met with a mix of relief and skepticism. Was it a move to finally hold someone accountable, or merely a strategic exit after the storm had passed?Taxpayer’s LimboAs Verster exits stage left, Ontarians are left in a limbo of unfinished tracks and unfulfilled promises. The Eglinton LRT, with its ghost opening dates, stands as a monument to what could have been. The question lingers – was Verster’s high salary justified? Critics argue that for the millions spent on his compensation, taxpayers received little in return but frustration.
In the end, Phil Verster’s legacy at Metrolinx might be remembered less for the transit he helped to build and more for the controversy, delays, and the hefty price tag his tenure carried. As the GTHA looks to the future, the focus now shifts to who will take the helm and whether they can steer Metrolinx out of the doldrums and into an era of actual progress.