Jeff Bennett

Director of Shuttle Operations

 jbennett@128bc.org

Jeff is the driving force behind 128 Business Council’s shuttle operations, overseeing all aspects of service planning, fare systems management, and vendor management and training. He also plays a key role in enhancing the rider experience and supporting new member development. With nearly 25 years of experience in transportation management, he brings a wealth of practical operational expertise to every aspect of the job, ensuring that 128 Business Council’s services run smoothly and efficiently.

Jeff’s journey with 128 Business Council began early in his career when he served as Transportation Coordinator from 2001 to 2003, managing the Waltham CitiBus service and assisting with shuttle oversight and planning. After gaining extensive experience as Program Manager at Charles River Transportation Management Association (CRTMA)—where he helped grow the EZRide Shuttle into one of the largest private, cooperative shuttle services in the Boston area with annual ridership of more than half a million commuters—Jeff returned to 128 Business Council in 2016. Since then, he has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities, culminating in his current role as Director of Shuttle Operations.

One of Jeff’s proudest accomplishments has been the 2018 launch of The Grid, 128 Business Council’s unified shuttle fleet and route system. He played a critical role in transforming a network of disconnected shuttle routes into a seamless, rider-friendly service with enhanced frequency, technology, and amenities. That system unification work eventually led into the rollout of a system-wide electronic ticketing system—a major undertaking requiring software and hardware upgrades, operational and vendor coordination, and comprehensive rider education.

Beyond large-scale projects, Jeff is deeply invested in the day-to-day details that keep the system running smoothly. He has led efforts to improve customer service tracking, service quality monitoring, and operator and vendor training—ensuring that 128 Business Council’s shuttles not only function efficiently but also provide a clear, dependable experience for riders. He was also instrumental in 128 Business Council’s rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to rework shuttle operations in unprecedented circumstances.

A recognized leader in the transportation demand management (TDM) industry, Jeff has been an active member of the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT), where he served as Treasurer of the ACT Patriot Chapter from 2010 to 2015 and was named an ACT “40 Under 40” honoree in 2017. He has presented at industry conferences, including ACT’s 2018 Transportation Demand Management Forum, and has held leadership roles with MassCommute, the statewide council of TMAs. Additionally, he participates in the MPO’s Transit Working Group, staying at the forefront of transit planning and policy discussions.

Jeff’s connection to transportation runs deep. He grew up in a family in the railroad business, which sparked his lifelong interest in the industry. Though he originally studied Political Science and History at Boston College, he found his way back into transportation after graduation and never looked back.

For Jeff, transportation is about more than logistics—it’s about impact. Transportation is the foundational thread that stitches together how we live, work, and move. At the end of the day, his goal is simple: to make life easier for the people who rely on 128 Business Council’s services. But that simple goal has far-reaching effects, helping the entire Route 128 West region tackle broader challenges related to housing, job accessibility, and environmental sustainability.