EAST TAUNTON — After decades of planning and delays, passenger rail service has officially returned to southeastern Massachusetts. The Healey-Driscoll administration, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) marked the launch of South Coast Rail on Monday, celebrating the long-awaited return of commuter rail service to Fall River and New Bedford for the first time in 65 years.
Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng traveled aboard Commuter Rail trains from Fall River and New Bedford to East Taunton Station, where they were joined by municipal leaders and elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Our administration isn’t kicking the can down the road when it comes to delivering the transportation system that our residents deserve,” Healey said at the event. “After years of delays, we took this challenge head-on and delivered for the people of the South Coast.”
Healey emphasized that the restored rail service will provide more transportation options, reduce traffic congestion, and boost local economies by connecting communities to Boston.
A Historic Return to Rail Service
The launch of South Coast Rail marks a major milestone for southeastern Massachusetts, where residents have long advocated for improved public transportation. The project extended the existing Middleborough Commuter Rail Line and involved the reconstruction of over 17 miles of the New Bedford Main Line and nearly 12 miles of the Fall River Secondary Line. In total, six new stations were built in Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll noted that Commuter Rail ridership has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels faster than any other system in the country, a sign that people rely on and trust public transit.
“As a former mayor of a city with commuter rail service, I know what it does for a local economy,” Driscoll said. “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.”
MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng called the launch a “historic moment” and praised the collaboration between state officials, transportation agencies, and community stakeholders who helped bring the project to completion.
“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,” Eng said. “This is truly a day for celebration.”
Service Details and Free Rides for Launch Week
South Coast Rail will operate 32 weekday trips and 26 weekend trips between South Station and East Taunton, with trains running every 70 minutes on weekdays and every two hours on weekends. Late-night service is also available, with the last train from Boston departing just before midnight.
To encourage ridership, MBTA is offering free weekday service from March 24 through March 31 for passengers boarding or disembarking at any of the six new South Coast Rail stations. Additionally, free weekend service will be available from March 29 to April 27, including on Patriots’ Day (April 21).
Commuter Rail parking at the new station lots will also be free through April 30. Regular parking rates will take effect afterward, costing $4 per day on weekdays and $2 per day on weekends and holidays.
Economic and Regional Impact
State officials anticipate that South Coast Rail will have a significant impact on economic development, housing, and regional accessibility. The expansion provides residents with easier access to jobs in Greater Boston while also opening southeastern Massachusetts to commuters and visitors.
Senator Elizabeth Warren called the new service a “win” for the region.
“South Coast Rail means better jobs, easier commutes, and a stronger local economy for communities across southeastern Mass.,” Warren said in a statement.
Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Bill Keating, and Congressman Jake Auchincloss also praised the project’s completion, highlighting its potential to reduce traffic congestion, connect communities, and boost local businesses.
Mayor Paul Coogan of Fall River called the launch a “very exciting day” for the city.
“For the first time since 1958, we will have passenger rail service in our community,” Coogan said. “This project has been a long time coming.”
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said the rail service will make the region even more attractive to residents and businesses.
“Intercity rail service between New Bedford and Boston will be yet another good reason to live in our region,” Mitchell said.
Fare Information
After the promotional period ends, South Coast Rail stations will be classified as Zone 8, meaning a one-way fare from Boston will cost $12.25 for full fare and $6 for reduced fare.
Weekend and holiday passes will be available for $10, allowing unlimited travel on Commuter Rail lines. Monthly passes for Zone 8 will cost $388 full fare and $190 reduced fare.
Riders can purchase tickets via the mTicket app, onboard conductors, or at ticket machines. The mTicket app offers discounts, including a $10 savings on monthly passes and a 10% discount on 5-day Flex Passes.
What’s Next for South Coast Rail?
With Phase 1 now operational, transportation officials will turn their attention to Phase 2, which aims to extend service along the Stoughton Line for a more direct route to Boston. However, no timeline has been announced for the next phase.
For now, the focus remains on welcoming riders aboard and ensuring a smooth transition as southeastern Massachusetts reconnects to Boston’s rail network for the first time in more than six decades.
For full schedules and fare details, visit mbta.com.