Healey-Driscoll Administration, MassDOT, MBTA Celebrate Launch of South Coast Rail
Service began today on the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line
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For the first time in over 65 years, the cities and towns of southeastern Massachusetts will now have passenger rail service to and from downtown Boston. Schedules are available on mbta.com.
“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.”
“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 Healey-Driscoll administration is deeply committed to meeting the needs of every resident in every municipality—and to advancing efforts that leave our communities stronger than we found them,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The story of South Coast Rail is one of perseverance and persistence. What began as a grassroots movement to connect Boston to New Bedford and Fall River grew into a powerful regional call to action. After more than a decade of collaboration, coordination, and unwavering commitment, this region now has access to the passenger rail service it has long deserved.”
“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,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “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.”
The South Coast Rail Program 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, upgraded the existing Middleborough Secondary track from Pilgrim Junction to Cotley Junction (a distance of 7.1 miles), constructed two new layover facilities, and constructed six new Commuter Rail stations at Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford.
South Coast Rail Schedules
South Coast Rail will operate more trips than originally planned, which benefits both the newly served southeastern Massachusetts communities and previously served communities like Brockton and Bridgewater. Through enhanced access to public transportation, South Coast Rail is anticipated to offer significant economic and housing development, as well as educational and recreational opportunities throughout southeastern Massachusetts with area residents having much easier access to the many amenities of the South Coast and connections to downtown Boston.
There are 15 trips on the Fall River section of the line and 17 trips on the New Bedford section of the line for a total of 32 trips between South Station and East Taunton on weekdays. There are a total of 26 trips between South Station and East Taunton on the weekends. Trains run every 70 minutes on weekdays and every two hours on the weekends.
Late-night service is offered to South Coast Rail stations with the last train leaving Boston just before midnight.
In addition to direct service, there are connecting trains operating between each terminus point and East Taunton Station. This allows for even more frequent service, which is consistent with the all-day service model across the rest of the Commuter Rail network.
Full schedules are available now at mbta.com.
Commuter Rail Line and Station Renaming, Other Changes
Passengers are reminded that the Middleborough/Lakeville Commuter Rail Line is now renamed the Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line.
Middleborough/Lakeville station (located at 125 Commercial Drive, Lakeville) is renamed Lakeville Station.
Commuter Rail trains no longer stop at Lakeville Station. The Lakeville Station will serve only the seasonal CapeFLYER.
The new Middleborough Station (located at 52 West Grove Street, Middleborough) will serve the Commuter Rail.
Free Weekday Service March 24 – March 31
As previously announced, fare-free weekday service will be available on the Fall River and New Bedford lines each weekday, March 24 – March 31. Passengers can ride for free if they are boarding or ending their ride at one of the six South Coast Rail stations. Riders should share their origin and destination stations with conductors in order to receive free travel. This offer is only valid on the Fall River and New Bedford lines and does not apply to trains on other Commuter Rail lines.
Free Weekend Service and Parking This Spring
As previously announced, free weekend service and daily parking will be available from March 29 to April 27.
Free Weekend Service
Fare-free service will be available on the Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Lines for all weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) between March 29 and April 27 as well as on April 21 (Patriots’ Day). Passengers can ride for free if they are boarding or ending their ride at one of the six South Coast Rail stations.
Riders should share their origin and destination stations with conductors to receive free travel. This offer is only valid on the Fall River and New Bedford Commuter Rail Lines and does not apply to trains on other Commuter Rail lines.
On weekdays, regular Commuter Rail fares are in effect for South Coast Rail.
Free Parking
Commuter Rail parking at the six South Coast rail station lots – Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Church Street, Fall River Depot, and New Bedford – will be free March 24 through the end of the day on April 30, 2025.
This free parking promotion may end earlier than anticipated if South Coast Rail parking lots fill up and spaces become unavailable. Standard parking rates for South Coast Rail stations are $4 per day on weekdays and $2 per day on weekends/holidays.
Fares
On weekdays beyond March 31 and weekends after April, regular Commuter Rail fares are in effect for South Coast Rail. All South Coast Rail stations are Zone 8 stations. This means that passengers pay a full fare of $12.25 and a reduced fare of $6 for a one-way ride between Zone 1A to 8. Passengers can purchase fares onboard with conductors or via the mTicket app. mTickets are a convenient option for one-way Commuter Rail rides or pass holders who don’t often take subway or bus, offering a $10 discount on monthly passes and a 10% discount for 5-day Flex Passes. mTickets are valid for 90 days after purchase. More information is available at mbta.com/mTicket.
Other fare options:
Weekend/Holiday Pass: Flat $10 weekend and holiday pass fares apply across Commuter Rail stations and zones including South Coast Rail
Monthly Pass (Zone 8): Monthly Zone 8 passes cost $388 full fare / $190 reduced fare. A discount of $10 full fare / $5 reduced fare is available for monthly passes on mTicket.
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