Lake County, OH – Laketran Director of Maintenance Nick Borelli has been recognized nationally as one of Mass Transit magazine’s 2026 40 Under 40 honorees, an annual program recognizing
emerging leaders making a significant impact on the public transportation industry.
Borelli was selected for his leadership in fleet modernization, alternative-fuel technology, operational excellence and workforce development. Mass Transit highlighted his career progression at Laketran, where he began as a diesel mechanic and advanced through the ranks to become Director of Maintenance.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor for Nick and a reflection of the leadership he brings to Laketran every day,” said Ben Capelle, Laketran CEO. “Nick has built his career from the ground up, and his technical expertise, commitment to safety, and willingness to embrace new technology have helped position Laketran as a leader in sustainable and reliable public transportation. Most importantly, he is a leader who develops people and shares his knowledge with others across the industry.”
As Director of Maintenance, Borelli leads a team of 25 mechanics, hostlers and facilities staff responsible for Laketran’s fleet of 212 vehicles, fueling systems, preventative maintenance program and transit facilities. In 2025, the department completed 6,742 repairs while maintaining a strong focus on vehicle reliability and daily service readiness.
Borelli has played a key role in two major fleet transitions at Laketran. He helped lead the conversion of a 60-vehicle cutaway fleet from diesel to propane and later played a central role in the agency’s transition to battery-electric buses (BEBs). Laketran became the first transit agency in Ohio to operate a majority battery-electric fixed-route fleet. Borelli’s responsibilities included vehicle selection, manufacturing inspections, technology integration and commissioning, along with the implementation of on-route fast-charging infrastructure.
Each of the agency’s battery-electric buses has accumulated 250,000 miles since deploying the fleet in 2021 – a milestone Borelli says he is particularly proud of.
Under Borelli’s leadership, Laketran’s maintenance department has also received national and state recognition for environmentally responsible fleet and facility practices, including recognition from the NAFA Fleet Management Association and Clean Fuels Ohio.
The department has also achieved perfect results in every federal triennial review conducted during his tenure, with zero deficiencies related to vehicle or facility maintenance—a significant accomplishment given the extensiveness of FTA’s review process.
Beyond Laketran, Borelli actively contributes to the broader transit industry through the Ohio Public Transit Association’s Maintenance Group. He and his team routinely share expertise with peer agencies on propane and electric bus maintenance, procurement specifications, charging infrastructure and vendor management, helping other transit systems navigate the transition to alternative fuels and zero-emission fleets.
Borelli also places a strong emphasis on teamwork and employee development. He oversees a partnership with employees from Deepwood Industries, who assist with daily cleaning of Laketran’s headquarters and buses.
The Mass Transit 40 Under 40 recognition adds to Borelli’s growing list of professional accomplishments. In 2022, he received the Ohio Public Transit Association’s Under 40 Rising Star Award.
Looking ahead, Borelli plans to continue advancing Laketran’s maintenance operations by increasing vehicle uptime and reducing unexpected breakdowns through predictive maintenance technology.