Translink president Tom Prendergast will leave to run the New York City Transit Authority after only 16 months on the job in Vancouver. (CBC)

Less than a year and half after taking the job, the head of Metro Vancouver's regional transit authority is stepping down for a new post running North America's largest subway and bus system.

TransLink president Tom Prendergast is heading home to New York City to run its massive transit authority, TransLink chair Dale Parker announced Thursday.

Prendergast's departure comes just two weeks after the regional mayors voted down TransLinks $450-million expansion plan, putting the transit authority on a collision course with the provincial government's intentions to expand the regional transit system.

'Being asked to run New York's transit authority is like being asked to play in Yankee Stadium — you just don't say no.'— TransLink president Tom Prendergast

But Prendergast said he was leaving because the offer from New York was just too good to turn down.

"I came here because Vancouver's transportation system is already the envy of many global transportation experts and there is so much potential to build-out the system to foster livability and the economic and environmental sustainability of the region," he said.

"But at the end of the day, for me, being asked to run New York's transit authority is like being asked to play in Yankee Stadium — you just don't say no," he said.

Prendergast first joined TransLink in July 2008, having served as senior vice-president of New York's subway system and president of the Long Island Rail Road, the largest commuter railroad in the United States, according to a statement released by TransLink.

Parker credited Prendergast with leaving a strong legacy at TransLink and for his leadership in securing a funding stabilization plan for the organization amid difficult economic conditions.

"The fact that Tom is being recruited to serve as president of the New York City Transit Authority is a testament to the great skills and experience he brought to TransLink during his tenure," said Parker.

"We are sad to see him go, but wish him well as he returns to his roots in New York," he said in the statement.

Ian Jarvis, TransLink's chief financial officer, will become interim president and CEO, said the statement.