Nickolas Borelli is described as a representative of the next generation of transit leadership, shown through his achievements, innovations and contributions to the public transit industry. Borelli has ascended through Laketran, beginning his career in 2010 as a diesel mechanic before advancing to assistant director of fleet maintenance, eventually being promoted to his current role—director of maintenance. In this role, Borelli is responsible for ensuring the safety, reliability and sustainability of a complex and evolving fleet and supporting infrastructure. Borelli manages a team of 25 mechanics, hostlers and facilities staff who oversee the maintenance of 212 vehicles, fueling systems and a comprehensive preventative maintenance program that completed 6,742 repairs in 2025 . 

His hands-on leadership works to ensure vehicles are ready for daily pull-out with minimal service disruptions, supporting service for thousands of riders. During his tenure, Borelli has led two major fleet transitions that have worked to modernize Laketran’s operations. He managed the conversion of a 60-vehicle cutaway fleet from diesel to propane, including mechanic training and vendor coordination to ensure a smooth and efficient rollout. More recently, he played a central role in transitioning Laketran’s fixed-route fleet from diesel to battery-electric buses (BEBs), making Laketran the first transit agency in Ohio to operate a majority BEB fleet. He led throughout the full project lifecycle, including vehicle selection, manufacturing inspections, technology integration and final commissioning alongside on-route fast charging infrastructure. 

Borelli’s team deployed on-route fast charging systems, enabling vehicles to charge throughout the day without returning to base, working to maximize efficiency and service uptime. He also supported the development of two transit centers and six fast-charging stations, strengthening the agency’s infrastructure for long-term BEB growth. Under his direction, Laketran’s maintenance department has received national and state recognition from the NAFA Fleet Management Association and Clean Fuels Ohio for environmentally friendly fleet and facility practices, as well as a robust recycling program. Under Borelli’s leadership, the maintenance department has achieved perfect triennial audit results throughout his tenure, with zero deficiencies related to vehicle or facility maintenance. 

Borelli is an active member of the Ohio Public Transit Association’s Maintenance Group, where he regularly shares best practices in vehicle and facility maintenance. Borelli and his team routinely support peer agencies by sharing knowledge on procurement specifications, fleet maintenance, charging infrastructure and vendor management, helping reduce barriers for agencies transitioning to alternative fuels and zero-emission fleets. He also oversees a partnership with employees from the local board of developmental disabilities, who assist with daily cleaning of Laketran’s headquarters and buses. 

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?  

While I was employed as a mechanic for Laketran, I looked up to my supervisor. I was always interested in what it took to oversee the day-to-day operation of the maintenance department. When given the chance, I would take on the responsibility of performing some of these tasks while my supervisor was out of the office. I really enjoyed this experience and from there it became my main goal to one day become the director of maintenance for Laketran.  

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

What I enjoy most about my job is being a part of a hardworking, dedicated team. Laketran employees are some of the most determined individuals I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Whether it is the maintenance team that I oversee or my peers on the admin side, we all come together to complete the goal we want to achieve.   

What’s the most challenging part of your job?  

The most challenging part of my job would be making decisions that keep the maintenance department operations running efficiently without ever compromising safety or compliance. Juggling workforce management, unplanned breakdowns and regulatory compliance can make the day to day of this position demanding. 

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?  

I am most proud of being involved with Laketran’s fleet conversion to alternative fuels over the years. In 2017, I was part of the maintenance team that launched Laketran’s propane powered demand and response fleet. In 2021, Laketran launched its fixed route BEB fleet. I was heavily involved in this project from start to finish. While it was challenging at first, it has been quite rewarding to see our alternative fuel fleet continue to be a leader in the transit industry. Laketran currently has over 250,000 miles on our BEB fleet.

What is an accomplishment you would like to work towards in your career?  

Increase vehicle uptime and reducing unforeseen breakdowns by implementing a predictive maintenance program.  

What is your best advice you can share from your area of expertise?

Look towards the future; every day something new hits the market that can improve the way a maintenance department operates. Be open minded, ask questions, listen to your peers and don’t be afraid to try something new.