Lake County, OH — Laketran was recognized by the Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA) with two Excellence Awards at the 2025 Best of the Midwest Transit Conference Expo in Columbus, celebrating both organizational collaboration and individual achievement within Ohio’s public transit industry.
Laketran received the Collaborative Excellence Award alongside the Geauga County Commissioners for their successful partnership in improving public transportation in Geauga County. The joint effort began in 2023 when the Geauga County Commissioners contracted with Laketran to manage the county’s rural transit system. Since then, Laketran has modernized Geauga Transit’s operations with a new brand identity, website, and a fleet of accessible propane-powered buses—improving service efficiency and sustainability while increasing ridership by 16%.
“This award is truly shared with the Geauga County Commissioners,” said Ben Capelle, Laketran CEO. “Together, we’ve built a partnership that demonstrates what collaboration can achieve for both urban and rural communities. Our joint focus on modernization, accessibility, and workforce transportation is helping connect people to jobs and essential services throughout the region.”
In addition, Tammy Skaggs, Laketran’s Paratransit Manager, was honored with OPTA’s Milestone Award for her 30 years of dedicated service to Laketran and Lake County. Skaggs began her career at Laketran in 1995 as a customer service representative and steadily advanced into leadership roles overseeing Laketran’s signature paratransit service, Dial-a-Ride, and its recently launched app-based rideshare service, Rides on Demand. Her innovative approach has modernized Laketran’s scheduling technology, improved service reliability, and strengthened support for both riders and staff.
“Tammy’s leadership and commitment to our mission have shaped Laketran into what it is today,” added Capelle. “For three decades, she’s been the person everyone can count on—always putting customers first, improving systems, and mentoring the next generation of transit professionals. Her impact on our customers and team will be felt for years to come.”
As both agencies continue to expand mobility options, Laketran encourages individuals to explore career opportunities in public transit, an industry offering diverse roles in operations, technology, customer service, and management.
“Often people don’t consider careers in public transit when living in the suburbs or rural communities, but we now employ over 300 local residents,” Capelle added. “Tammy’s career is a testament that there are opportunities for job growth and development that can lead to a long, successful career—as well as the gratification of giving back to your community.”