Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay earns $686,000 annually and may receive a performance bonus of up to $137,000 each year, while leading Ontario’s transit agency through significant operational and financial challenges. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Lindsay’s three-year term started July 1. His contract includes six weeks of paid vacation and a bonus of 20% of his base salary. The agency’s board will decide annually if he qualifies.

Metrolinx CEO Salary and Bonus Details Revealed
Michael Lindsay took over as the permanent CEO of Metrolinx on July 1. Under the terms of his three-year appointment, he will be paid $686,000 a year and be eligible for a performance bonus of up to 20% of his base salary. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria praised Lindsay for his leadership and strategic vision, calling him an experienced choice during a June 25 press conference. Lindsay previously served as interim CEO after Phil Verster resigned.

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Verster left amid public criticism over constant delays on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and unclear timelines. He earned $883,000 last year, making him one of Ontario’s highest-paid public officials.

The Crosstown project began in 2011 at $9.1 billion but soared to at least $12.8 billion. The 19-kilometer line was due in 2020, yet repeated setbacks pushed completion back multiple times.

Premier Doug Ford said last month he expects the LRT to open in September, but the TTC’s interim CEO forecasts a later date. Toronto’s city manager admitted optimism but remains uncertain.

Metrolinx Faces Growing Pressure to Deliver Projects

Opposition leaders argue Lindsay must prioritize opening the Crosstown. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner warned that bonuses should only reward performance beyond basic expectations after years of missed deadlines.

NDP transit critic Doly Begum called his salary excessive and stressed that taxpayers expect immediate results. Liberal critic Andrea Hazell emphasized restoring public trust by delivering projects on time and within budget.

Metrolinx CEO Commits to Improving Transit Network

Sarkaria acknowledged the scale of the expansion, describing it as unprecedented in North America. Still, he expressed confidence in Lindsay’s ability to manage the challenges ahead.

Lindsay pledged to strengthen the region’s transit network, calling the role a “solemn responsibility.” As a Toronto resident, he underlined his commitment to meeting commuter needs and improving infrastructure reliability.

Source: www.cbc.ca

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