‘Just seems like a PR move:’ Ottawa transit commissioner on RTG CEO stepping down
Posted Jun 23, 2020 03:01:00 PM.
One of Ottawa's citizen transit commissioners isn't sure the CEO of Rideau Transit Group (RTG/RTM) stepping down will be enough to spur change within an organization which has bungled the construction and maintenance of the city's new light rail system.
CEO Peter Lauch announced on Monday that he will be vacating his position on July 10.
“I don't think the failings of RTM [Rideau Transit Maintenance] can be laid at the feet of one individual,” says Sarah Wright-Gilbert. “This is institutional failure on the part of RTM, and to me this just seems like a PR move almost, in order for them to keep their contract [with the City of Ottawa].”
Lauch had worked on Ottawa's light rail project for seven years and was named CEO of RTG in 2018, but nine months after the launch of the Confederation Line, the company's reputation has taken a major hit due to the litany of issues contantly plaguing the local transit system.
“RTM has clearly proven that, as an entity, they are not able to live up to their end of the maintenance contract,” adds Wright-Gilbert. “And I don't see the change in leadership to be a hopeful sign that they are going to absolutely be able to hold up their end of the contract.”
The citizen transit commissioner maintains her opinion that the City of Ottawa needs to end its contract with RTG.
The only change Lauch's exit might bring, according to Wright-Gilbert, is that it could harm any stability that the company had, as the CEO did have instituional knowledge of the 2.1-billion dollar rail system.
