Key Takeaways

• The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is set to launch commuter rail service to Fall River and New Bedford on March 24, pending federal approval.
• The $1 billion South Coast Rail project, completed last year, restores passenger service to these communities for the first time in 65 years.
• The service will offer 32 weekday trips from Boston to East Taunton, with additional trains continuing to Fall River and New Bedford.

Service Announcement

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is preparing to initiate commuter rail service from Boston to the southeastern Massachusetts cities of Fall River and New Bedford on March 24, pending approval from the Federal Railroad Administration.

Construction on the $1 billion South Coast Rail project began in 2019, focusing on refurbishing over 36 miles of tracks once used for freight transport and establishing six new stations. The completion of construction last year marks a significant milestone, as this will restore passenger rail services to the area for the first time in 65 years.

Project Overview

The South Coast Rail initiative is a key component of MBTA’s broader $9.6 billion, five-year capital investment plan. The upcoming service launch constitutes Phase 1 of the project. Future expansions may include a connection to the Northeast Corridor main line via the Stoughton Line; however, funding for this additional work has not yet been secured.

According to Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, the South Coast Rail is expected to enhance access to affordable housing, connect residents with job opportunities, stimulate regional economies, and promote public transportation over car use.

Service Details

Under the new service, the MBTA will operate a total of 32 weekday trips from South Station in Boston to East Taunton. Out of these, 15 trains will extend to Fall River, while 17 will continue to New Bedford, operating approximately every 70 minutes during weekdays and every two hours on weekends. The last train from Boston will depart just before midnight.

Test trains commenced running in June 2024 to familiarize train operators with the routes. Keolis Commuter Services has been designated to manage rail dispatching for the South Coast Rail region. The MBTA has actively engaged with communities along the Phase 1 corridor through public meetings to discuss the project and its benefits.

Governor Maura Healey remarked on the long-standing desire for passenger rail service in the area, emphasizing that this project will alleviate traffic congestion and promote economic development in the region.

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