Laketran is proud to announce that Matt Maier, Director of Operations, has been awarded the impressive Ohio Public Tran

sit Association (OPTA) Under 40 Rising Star Award. This recognition celebrates Maier’s outstanding contributions and innovative leadership in the public transit industry.

Maier’s journey in transit began as a student bus driver at PARTA while earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Kent State University. His passion for transportation led him to roles at ODOT and Coach USA before joining Laketran in 2016 as Operations Manager. Within two years, Maier was promoted to Director of Operations, overseeing 236 employees and ensuring the delivery of critical services such as Dial-a-Ride, Park-n-Ride, and Local Routes for Lake County.

During his tenure at Laketran, Matt Maier has been instrumental in expanding and enhancing transit services to meet the growing needs of the Lake County community. Since becoming Director of Operations, Maier increased transit service hours by 62%, significantly improving access and mobility for residents to jobs. Under his leadership, Laketran achieved a remarkable 19% ridership growth in 2023, making Laketran one of the fastest transit systems in the nation to recover post-pandemic. Maier also demonstrated a strong commitment to the community by spearheading initiatives like the Lake County Mobile Food Pantry, which earned state and national recognition for addressing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Maier’s forward-thinking approach has modernized Laketran’s operations through the integration of advanced technologies, including updated scheduling systems, real-time passenger counters, and environmentally friendly vehicles including Ohio’s first battery-operated electric transit fleet. Additionally, his leadership extended beyond Laketran’s immediate operations, as he played a pivotal role in modernizing neighboring Geauga Transit.

“Matt Maier exemplifies the innovation, dedication, and leadership that drive Laketran’s success,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “He has been instrumental in improving transit services for our community, and his passion for public transportation inspires everyone around him. We are thrilled to see him recognized as one of the rising stars in our industry.”

A resident of Perry, Maier is also a 2021 graduate of Leadership Lake County and serves on the board of Lifeline, supporting Lake and Geauga County residents.

Laketran congratulates Matt Maier on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to the continued positive impact of his leadership in public transit.