Bob Rulli Elected to MBTA’s Commuter Rail Committee
Bridgewater (M.A.) July 31, 2023 — Bridgewater’s Director of the Office of Community & Economic Development, Bob Rulli, has been elected to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Commuter Rail Committee. The committee, which serves under the MBTA Advisory Board, plays a key role in overseeing the T and its Commuter Rail operations. The committee meets quarterly for oversight meetings with those at the T in charge of the Commuter Rail along with the CEO of Keolis North America (operator of the commuter rail on behalf of the MBTA), and direct input into the T’s spending plans.
“Committee members speak to and directly influence those in charge of Commuter Rail in Massachusetts,” says Brian Kane, Executive Director of the MBTA Advisory Board. “I welcome Bob Rulli’s joining of the committee as an important voice for Bridgewater and all communities along the Lakeville/Middleborough Line.”
Bridgewater Town Manager Michael Dutton calls Rulli’s election a terrific opportunity for both the Town and Rulli. “Transit Oriented Development, or TOD, is an integral component to the redevelopment of those areas in and around Campus Plaza and a concept that he has been championing as part of the ‘Revitalizing the Heart of Bridgewater: Vision to Reality’ initiative,” said Dutton. “ The energy and passion he will bring to the committee will strengthen the advocacy efforts of the MBTA Advisory Board.”
Rulli, who has been working tirelessly to engage local residents, business owners, community stakeholders and Bridgewater State University faculty, staff and students on the ‘Revitalizing the Heart of Bridgewater’ initiative, has long said transportation is a vital part of the success of the initiative’s goals. “MBTA Communities can make real contributions in addressing the Commonwealth’s housing needs by combining smart growth elements in the development of vibrant mixed-use districts,” said Rulli. “Introducing the concepts of intermodal transportation and microtransit in our smaller communities can be very effective in meeting our goals and providing transportation options to our residents and visitors.” Rulli added that suburban communities such as Bridgewater have a unique opportunity to be models for smaller scale TOD, which is centered around the creation of compact, walkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use communities centered around high quality train systems.
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