The Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) have announced the launch of South Coast Rail, marking the commencement of commuter rail services on the new Fall River/New Bedford line. The event was attended by Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng, along with municipal leaders, elected officials, and local stakeholders. Aboard commuter trains from Fall River and New Bedford, the delegation travelled to East Taunton Station for a formal celebration.
For the first time in over 65 years, the cities and towns of southeastern Massachusetts now have passenger rail services to and from downtown Boston.
“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. 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,” Governor Maura Healey said.
MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng praised the collaboration involved in the project: “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.
“It is through the collaboration of an incredible number of MBTA teams, contractor crews, our MassDOT partners, many community members, elected officials, our operating partners at Keolis, and so many more. I am so grateful for their dedication and tremendous hard work. Today, we make history together and welcome back our southeastern Mass. passengers to the T.”
South Coast Rail service details
The South Coast Rail programme has extended the existing Middleborough Commuter Rail Line, reconstructed over 17 miles of the New Bedford Main Line and nearly 12 miles of the Fall River Secondary Line, and upgraded 7.1 miles of existing Middleborough Secondary track from Pilgrim Junction to Cotley Junction. Two new layover facilities have been built, along with six new commuter rail stations at Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford.
Train frequency and connectivity
South Coast Rail will operate more services than originally planned, providing increased connectivity for newly served southeastern Massachusetts communities as well as existing stops such as Brockton and Bridgewater. The enhanced rail links are expected to generate economic and housing development opportunities while improving access to education, employment, and recreation.
The Fall River section of the line will run 15 weekday services, while the New Bedford section will operate 17, amounting to 32 trips between South Station and East Taunton on weekdays. Weekend services will total 26 trips between South Station and East Taunton. Trains will run at 70-minute intervals on weekdays and every two hours on weekends.
Late-night services will also be available, with the final train departing from Boston just before midnight.
In addition to direct connections, linking trains between terminus stations and East Taunton will further increase service frequency, in line with the all-day service model used across the wider Commuter Rail network.
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