

Richard Sarles is seen in this file photo. (James A. Parcell/For The Washington Post)

Metro head Richard Sarles announced Wednesday he’s leaving the transit authority. In a message to Metro employees, Sarles, who was appointed to the agency’s top job in January 2011, after serving for eight months as the Interim General Manager, said he will leave in mid-January 2015.

Here is a written statement he sent to Metro employees:

To my coworkers, I write to tell you that I told the Board today that I will retire in mid-January of 2015. Why would I want to leave a job which I enjoy so much, working with people with whom I am proud to be associated, in the wonderful capital region and when we together are achieving so much? The answer is fairly simple. Early in the next year I reach 70. My health is very good. My family continues to grow with eight grandchildren as of this month. It is time to rebalance my life more toward family, friends and pursuing activities that I have wanted to do for a long time which requires much more flexibility in my schedule. I want you to know how rewarding it has been to have worked with all of you. Much has been accomplished, thanks to you; much remains to be done which I know you can do. I wish each of you a safe and successful journey through life. Richard Sarles General Manager and Chief Executive Officer

Sarles announcement surprised many. Just a little over a year ago, Metro’s board had voted to extend his contract through January 2016. His annual salary rose from $350,000 to $366,000 a year.

Tom Downs, chairman of the Metro board, said the authority will conduct a nationwide search for Sarles’ replacement. Downs praised Sarles saying that he has lead the agency out of one of its darkest chapters, the 2009 Red Line crash in which nine people were killed. Metro officials announced this week that five years after the fatal crash, some of its Red Line trains would return to automatic train operation — a significant milestone for the transit agency. That system, a feature of most modern subways, was shut down throughout Metro in 2009 after electronic flaws caused the worst calamity in Metro history.