Laketran officials this week announced that the agency has achieved a perfect score on the Federal Transit Administration’s Fiscal Year 2024 Triennial Review. The review assessed 23 areas of the transit company’s operations and management and “found no deficiencies, underscoring compliance with federal requirements and Laketran’s commitment to delivering efficient, safe, and reliable public transportation.” According to the FTA, the review evaluates recipients of federal funding on a range of criteria, including legal and financial management, procurement, maintenance, civil rights and ADA compliance, and program management, which reviews public involvement and transparency mandates. The 2024 review also expanded to address the use of COVID-19 relief funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act. Over several months, Laketran CEO Ben Capelle noted, auditors interviewed agency management, collected and examined documents, and reviewed facilities to ensure performance and adherence to federal transportation policies and requirements. “The Triennial Review is a demanding process that looks into every aspect of our operation,” he said. “This perfect score is a testament to the effort we put into our everyday operations and to the attention to detail to document our processes. “But none of this is accomplished without employees who are dedicated to excellence,” Capelle added. “I’m very proud of our group and this achievement reflects the way our entire operation is managed.” Over the three-year period, Laketran achieved significant milestones, including increased ridership (45 percent) due to new and expanded services, and investments in major capital improvements, such as fleet electrification, two new indoor transit centers, and the ongoing expansion of its headquarters. Additionally, officials noted, Laketran excelled in maintaining high standards of customer service, all while navigating the post-pandemic challenges. Laketran Board President Brian Falkowski said the review also reflects Laketran’s commitment to using taxpayer dollars wisely. “This is great news for Laketran,” he said. “Passing this comprehensive review with a perfect score confirms that Laketran is operating efficiently, maintaining compliance with federal regulations, and ensuring the responsible management of public resources. “The results highlight Laketran’s ability to meet the needs of its community while enhancing public transportation options in Lake County.”