Laketran has been awarded the 2023 Safe Operations and Risk (SOAR) Award from the Ohio Transit Risk Pool (OTRP), recognizing the transit authority’s exceptional commitment to safety, operational best practices, and collaborative efforts within Ohio’s public transit industry. This annual award, evaluated based on a combination of safety metrics and loss costs per miles traveled, is a significant achievement among Ohio’s transit systems.

OTRP President and CEO Barbara Rhoades recently presented the award to the Laketran Board of Trustees sharing, “This achievement isn’t just about having low costs from claims—it reflects the dedication and proactive efforts of Laketran’s team. Consistently low claims are never just a matter of luck.”

OTRP is a public entity risk pool that has provided stable property and casualty coverage to its public transit members across Ohio for over 30 years. With 15 members statewide operating nearly 50 million miles annually, OTRP evaluates members based on losses incurred and reserves per 100 miles traveled. The SOAR award is a yearly travelling award that is evaluated in three divisions and is developed from losses incurred and reserves per 100 miles. 

“Laketran excelled in these areas, posting the lowest loss cost at $2.58 per 100 miles traveled, far below the pool’s average of $7.43,” continued Rhoades. “Laketran’s strong showing is rooted in its rigorous safety practices and commitment to excellence, evident in its perfect score on OTRP’s recent Risk Management Self Inventory. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of Laketran’s Operations and Maintenance departments.”

Laketran’s drivers complete an extensive driver training program developed by OTRP, which, combined with meticulous hiring practices and robust operational controls, positions Laketran at the forefront of safety and operational efficiency within the pool.

“Laketran is proud to be recognized with the 2023 SOAR Award,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our Operations and Maintenance departments, whose focus on safety is at the forefront of what we do. It’s truly a team effort because it starts with training, but scheduling, dispatching, and maintenance of our vehicles all impacts our daily safety.”

Laketran has a history of winning the SOAR Award receiving the award in 2020, 2017, 2015, 2013, and 2009 for Division I.

About OTRP: The Ohio Transit Risk Pool (OTRP) is a public entity risk pool serving public transit systems across Ohio with stable insurance solutions and innovative safety programs for over 30 years.