By Tiffany Williams –
The commute between Fall River, Massachusetts, and Boston is set to become significantly more convenient with the introduction of the South Coast Rail passenger service, specifically the MBTA Fall River/New Bedford Line. This initiative marks a pivotal development for the region’s rail infrastructure.
The ambitious $1 billion South Coast Rail project, which began construction in 2019, involved extensive refurbishment of over 36 miles of track that had previously been used for freight services. In addition to track upgrades, the project also included the construction of six new stations strategically placed to enhance accessibility. This comprehensive construction effort reached completion in 2024, paving the way for the revival of passenger rail service to the area for the first time in 65 years.
The South Coast Rail project extends the existing Middleborough/Lakeville Line to include stops in Taunton, Freetown, Middleboro, and the cities of New Bedford and Fall River. Once the service begins, the line will be officially renamed the Fall River/New Bedford Line, reflecting the expanded routes and service areas.
On the schedule, a total of 32 trips will operate on weekdays between South Station in Boston and East Taunton, Massachusetts. Of these, 15 will continue onward to Fall River while 17 will route to New Bedford. Trains will be scheduled approximately every 70 minutes on weekdays and every two hours over the weekend. The last train leaving Boston will depart shortly before midnight, ensuring ample travel options for commuters.
Karen Antion, the Executive for the MBTA South Coast Rail Program, praised the new Fall River/New Bedford Line as a “game changer” for the region, highlighting its potential to connect communities and facilitate economic growth.
As part of the service transition, the Middleborough/Lakeville Line will be rebranded as the Fall River/New Bedford Line. Notably, the current Middleborough/Lakeville Station, located at 125 Commercial Drive in Lakeville, will be renamed Lakeville Station, where Commuter Rail trains will no longer make stops. This station will instead serve exclusively as a stop for the seasonal Cape Cod Flyer. A newly established Middleborough Station at 52 West Grove Street will accommodate commuter rail traffic.
In terms of safety and technology, Automatic Train Control (ATC) testing reached completion in July 2024, with dispatching responsibilities subsequently assigned to Keolis. Over 800 Positive Train Control (PTC) functions were thoroughly tested to ensure high standards of safety, reliability, and compliance. The testing for the PTC system was finalized in December 2024, with operational control handed over to Keolis on January 6, 2025.
The construction of all six new stations situated in Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford was successfully completed by September 2024. These stations are designed with full accessibility in mind, and certificates of occupancy have been granted for both the New Bedford Station and the Wamsutta Layover Facilities, ensuring they meet all regulatory standards.
Fare structures for the South Coast Rail stations will fall under Zone 8 pricing. Passengers can expect a full fare of $12.25 for a one-way trip between Zone 1A and Zone 8, with a reduced fare of $6 available for qualifying passengers. For commuting during weekends and holidays, a special $10 weekend and holiday pass will also be available.
For those who opt for a Monthly Pass in Zone 8, the cost will be $388 for a full fare and $190 for a reduced fare. Furthermore, discounts of $10 for the full fare and $5 for the reduced fare will be offered on monthly passes purchased through the mTicket app.
Pending final approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), passenger services are expected to begin on Monday, March 24, 2025.
To encourage ridership and generate excitement for the new South Coast Rail service, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, alongside the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), has announced an initiative offering free weekend service and parking. This fare-free service will be available on the Fall River and New Bedford lines every weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) from March 29 through April 27, as well as on April 21, coinciding with Patriots’ Day.
Passengers may enjoy complimentary rides if they board or alight at any of the six South Coast Rail stations. To take advantage of this offer, riders are encouraged to share their origin and destination stations with conductors. It’s important to note that this promotion is exclusive to the Fall River and New Bedford lines and does not extend to other Commuter Rail services.