Incoming TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond says he likes climbing mountains.

“I like to ride bikes up mountain passes. I like to ski up mountain passes,” Desmond said today (February 10) at a press conference at the Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver.

The Texas-born and New York-raised transit executive was answering a question why he’s taking on the job as chief executive of the regional transportation authority in Metro Vancouver.

According to the outgoing general manager of King County Metro Transit in Washington state, he likes challenges.

Like any mountain, TransLink is a peak to be mastered.

“It’s just another summit. It’s just another climb,” he said.

As to why he finds TransLink exciting, Desmond had this to say: “I understand that TransLink has suffered a bruise to its brand, that the last couple of years here have been challenging.”

Then he went back to the 2015 referendum wherein Metro Vancouver voters voted overwhelmingly against an increase in the regional sales tax to fund transit improvements: “Losing a plebiscite, losing a referendum is never an easy task.”

According to Desmond, he had been part of four referendums in which three were successful. “It’s tough to lose. It feels a lot better to win.”

For Desmond, his primary task is clear: “Restoring public trust and confidence in the transit system, I understand that to be job number one.”

As to how he will do that, Desmond said that he will work with various stakeholders and partners, and give a particularly focus on riders.

Desmond promised that under his leadership, TransLink will be “honest and transparent where we’re not doing a good job”.

“I mean honesty is the best approach. Let’s have a dialogue,” Desmond said.

Desmond will receive an annual salary of $365,000. During his first year, he will get a monthly housing allowance of $1,500.

Meanwhile, Vancouver-Fairview MLA George Heyman said in a statement that with the province offering no concrete solutions to fix transit problems in the region, Desmond will have his hands full.

“They may have found their new CEO, but the same old problems exist and require urgent attention,” said Heyman, who is the B.C. NDP’s spokesperson on TransLink. “There are still 2.5 million people in the Lower Mainland waiting for better transit service and more transit options. People demanded a more effective and accountable TransLink in last year’s plebiscite. A clear message was sent; we are waiting for the Christy Clark government to answer.”