In a surprising revelation, outgoing Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster has pocketed a $12,000 annual vehicle allowance over the last five years, despite not owning a car, according to sources from Global News. This bizarre perk for the leader of Ontario's transit agency raises serious questions about fiscal responsibility in public service compensation.

Verster's compensation has come under scrutiny, with the Ontario Sunshine List revealing that his taxable benefits have ranged from $12,575 to $13,392 in addition to his hefty taxpayer-funded salary of $838,097 as of 2023. The Ontario government authorized this allowance through an Order in Council in 2020, under Premier Doug Ford's administration, solidifying Verster's executive benefits package.

Interestingly, multiple sources have indicated that Verster has no current vehicle lease or ownership and chooses to commute by walking, running, or using transit options, benefiting from free GO Transit services due to his close proximity to Union Station where the Metrolinx headquarters is located.

Verster's vehicle allowance originated back in 2017 during his appointment by the former Liberal government, which included a monthly vehicle allowance of $1,000. The allowance was subsequently increased to approximately $1,100 per month by 2023, amounting to $13,392 annually. Despite some efforts within the government to eliminate this allowance, it remains intact, even as Verster reportedly expressed willingness to forgo this benefit.

As of December 16, Verster is set to depart from his role, with Michael Lindsay from Infrastructure Ontario stepping in. Verster’s tenure has seen both progress and controversy, particularly regarding significant transit projects such as the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRT, which have faced ongoing delays. Some political detractors have called for accountability, asserting that Verster must be held responsible for these setbacks.

Premier Doug Ford has publicly praised Verster's efforts in advancing the government’s ambitious transportation infrastructure plans, especially highlighting the Ontario Line, a monumental project aimed at improving transit across the region that will cost an estimated $27.2 billion over 30 years.

Nevertheless, critiques from political figures like NDP MPP Joel Harden continue to surface, urging for the accountability of Verster and the executive team for their perceived failures in delivering for transit riders. Harden has even likened Verster's situation to a past incident in Scotland, which adds a dimension of scrutiny to the CEO's legacy.

As the transit landscape in Ontario gears up for significant changes, the lingering question of Verster's vehicle allowance raises alarms about how taxpayer money is managed, especially in an agency tasked with the public good.