BATON ROUGE - Bob Mirabito, the often-criticized chief of the city's public transit system has resigned.

Mirabito wrote to the Capital Area Transit System board, he will leave his post as CEO on May 6. Mirabito said he will return to the private sector where he is "most comfortable."

In the letter, emailed to WBRZ late Tuesday, Mirabito said he thinks CATS is positioned to succeed, but admitted he did not have the energy to fight what has been an uphill battle being the public face of the bus system.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE LETTER

"One important factor in my decision was the impact being a hired public figure had on my family.  There have been a number of personal attacks written and said about me that my family had to endure," Mirabito wrote.  

Citing an example, Mirabito said he was frustrated his son was approached by a stranger while wearing a ball shirt with "Mirabito" on the back.  

"Needless to say, we all became more conscious of our surroundings." 

CATS did not release details on the next move.  Check back for updates later Tuesday night and Wednesday. 

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