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Translink boss to quit £200k position

Translink's chief executive is to leave her £200,000 position in March.

Catherine Mason, who is one of the highest paid people in the public sector, is to take up a post in England with NATS, the UK's main provider of air Traffic Management services.

Ms Mason joined Translink in 2008. During her time as chief executive, Translink was criticised for fare rises, cuts to rural bus services, and the decision to award train drivers an inflation-busting 24 per cent pay rise when commuters faced fare increases.

Under her tenure, Translink's profits have increased.

The company has also seen a major growth in passenger numbers.

Ms Mason, pictured, said she had enjoyed her time in Translink and was making the move "with mixed emotions".

"But i also feel huge pride in the success Translink has had, during very difficult economic times," she said.

"We have grown passenger numbers and customer satisfaction is very high due to major investment programmes in new buses and trains, infrastructure works and passenger facilities and huge innovation in ticketing and customer information."

Translink's parent company, The northern ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC), wished Ms Mason well and said it will begin finding her replacement in the new year.

Chairman John Trethowan thanked Ms Mason for her "contribution to Translink's success over the last number of years delivering growth in passenger numbers, improved efficiency, and high customer satisfaction".