By Tiffany Williams –
On Monday, a historic milestone was achieved as passenger rail service embarked from South Station in Boston for the first time in 65 years, heading toward the vibrant southeastern Massachusetts region.
“Our administration isn’t kicking the can down the road when it comes to delivering the transportation system that our residents deserve. That’s exactly how we approached the South Coast Rail project. After years of delays, we took this challenge head on and delivered for the people of the South Coast – and our entire state will benefit,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The start of rail service will give people more options for how to get around, where to live and where to work. It means less traffic congestion and shorter commutes, giving people more time back with their loved ones. And it will bring more customers to local businesses and cultural attractions in Southeastern Mass. We congratulate General Manager Eng and his team, especially all of the workers who got this line ready to roll, for their hard work on this transformative project.”
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joyfully commemorated the launch of the South Coast Rail, celebrating the commencement of service on the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line. The celebration took place aboard the Commuter Rail trains, alongside MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng, along with municipal leaders, elected officials, and local stakeholders. The festivities culminated at East Taunton Station, where a jubilant event was hosted to mark this significant achievement.
“Today is a very exciting day in the City of Fall River and on the South Coast,” said Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan. “For the first time since 1958, we will have passenger rail service in our community. This project has been a long time coming. I want to thank all those who worked hard to make this day a reality.”
The South Coast Rail Program is a transformative project that expands the existing Middleborough Commuter Rail Line. It features the reconstruction of over 17 miles of the New Bedford Main Line and nearly 12 miles of the Fall River Secondary Line. Furthermore, it includes upgrades to 7.1 miles of the Middleborough Secondary track from Pilgrim Junction to Cotley Junction, the construction of two new layover facilities, and the establishment of six modern Commuter Rail stations at Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford.
“Intercity rail service between New Bedford and Boston will be yet another good reason to live in our region,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. “With the normalization of remote work arrangements in many industries, it will offer the opportunity to enjoy Greater New Bedford’s quality of life and to travel easily to Boston for work when necessary. I am grateful to all the elected officials, business leaders, state officials, and the many supporters from Fall River for the team effort to advance this complicated project, and to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for getting it over the goal line.”
This revamped rail service will run more frequent trips than initially planned, resulting in greater accessibility and benefits for both newly serviced communities in southeastern Massachusetts and existing ones like Brockton and Bridgewater.
The South Coast Rail is poised to become a game changer for the area, stimulating noteworthy economic growth, enhancing housing development, and creating abundant educational and recreational opportunities. Residents will enjoy unprecedented access to the scenic South Coast and seamless connections to downtown Boston.
“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,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As a former Mayor of a city with commuter rail service, I know what it does for a local economy, especially in South Coast cities that have incredible destinations like Battleship Cove in Fall River, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, art galleries in Taunton, and feasts and festivals all over. We are thrilled to be bringing this investment to the South Coast and hope riders will join us aboard the train soon!”
The schedule boasts 15 daily trips on the Fall River segment and 17 on the New Bedford segment, totaling an impressive 32 trips on weekdays between South Station and East Taunton. On weekends, there will be a total of 26 trips, with trains operating every 70 minutes during the week and every two hours on weekends.
For night owls, late-night service is available, with the last train departing Boston just before midnight.
In addition to this direct service, connecting trains operate between each terminus point and East Taunton Station, enhancing service frequency and aligning with the MBTA Commuter Rail’s all-day service model.
The MBTA recently announced an exciting promotion: fare-free weekday service on the Fall River and New Bedford lines from March 24 to March 31. Passengers can ride for free if they board or terminate their journey at any of the six South Coast Rail stations. To take advantage of this offer, riders simply need to inform conductors of their origin and destination stations. This promotion is exclusive to the Fall River and New Bedford lines and does not extend to other Commuter Rail routes.
Additionally, the MBTA has previously announced free weekend service along with complimentary daily parking from March 29 to April 27. Fare-free travel will be available on all Saturdays and Sundays during this period, as well as on April 21 for Patriots’ Day. Again, riders should communicate their travel endpoints to conductors to qualify for free fare.
Regular Commuter Rail ticket prices will apply to the South Coast Rail on weekdays after March 31.
Moreover, for the convenience of travelers, parking at the six South Coast Rail station lots—located in Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Church Street, Fall River Depot, and New Bedford—will be free from March 24 through April 30, 2025. It’s worth noting that the free parking initiative could conclude earlier if the lots reach full capacity.
Starting the day after March 31 and on weekends following the April promotion, regular Commuter Rail fares will take effect for the South Coast Rail. All stations on this route are classified as Zone 8, resulting in a full fare of $12.25 or a reduced fare of $6 for a one-way journey between Zone 1A and Zone 8. Passengers can conveniently purchase tickets onboard from conductors or via the mTicket app. The app provides a convenient option for one-way rides and pass holders who rarely utilize subways or buses, featuring a $10 discount on monthly passes and a 10% discount for 5-day Flex Passes. mTickets remain valid for 90 days post-purchase, with further details available at mbta.com/mTicket.
Weekend and Holiday Passes are available for a flat $10 fare across all Commuter Rail stations and zones, including the South Coast Rail.
For those opting for a Monthly Pass, the Zone 8 passes are priced at $388 for full fare and $190 for a reduced fare, making it an economical choice for frequent travelers.