The Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) have announced the start of service on the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line as part of the South Coast Rail project.
For the first time in more than 65 years, southeastern Massachusetts communities now have direct passenger rail service connecting them to downtown Boston.
South Coast Rail’s six new stations—Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford—were completed by September 2024 and are fully accessible.
MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng said:It is with great pride that we deliver long-awaited train service to southeastern Massachusetts, making South Coast Rail a reality. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is giving us the tools to rebuild and reshape mass transportation to support communities, housing, and jobs for current and future riders. This is truly a day for celebration for all, in particular for the many stakeholders who long advocated for this service.
The South Coast Rail project aims to improve regional mobility, support economic development, and offer a sustainable transportation alternative for residents and commuters.
The service expansion is part of ongoing efforts to enhance public transport infrastructure in Massachusetts.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said:There’s a reason that Commuter Rail ridership has returned to pre-pandemic levels faster than any other system in the country – because we’ve proven to riders that it’s an easy and reliable way to get where they need to go. That’s why it’s so important that we are expanding rail service to the South Coast for the first time in 65 years.
