Service began today on the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line

East Taunton - The Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) today celebrated the launch of South Coast Rail and the beginning of service on the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line. Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng joined municipal leaders, elected officials, and local stakeholder groups aboard Commuter Rail trains in Fall River and New Bedford to East Taunton Station where a celebratory event took place.  

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. 

For more information, visit mbta.com or connect with the T on X @MBTA and @MBTA_CR, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, Threads @thembta, or TikTok @thembta.? 

Statements of Support

Senator Elizabeth Warren:

“South Coast Rail means better jobs, easier commutes, and a stronger local economy for communities across Southeastern Mass. The whole region - and our whole Commonwealth - wins. Massachusetts leaders worked together to get this done, and we’ll keep fighting to bring home investments for families.” 

Senator Ed Markey:

“We are one stop closer to transit justice with daily Commuter Rail service to southeastern Massachusetts. The opening of South Coast Rail represents a long-awaited celebration for Taunton, Fall River, New Bedford, and beyond. I am grateful to Governor Healey, the MBTA, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and all the leaders and advocates on the South Coast who are making this project a reality. This milestone represents a major leap in addressing a critical gap in our state’s public transit system. Together, we are expanding rail service, reducing congestion, increasing economic opportunity, and more equitably connecting our Commonwealth. I look forward to continuing to work with state and local officials, community members, and our federal delegation to expand public transit throughout the South Coast and across Massachusetts.” 

Congressman Bill Keating:

"With the launch of service today, Boston and the South Coast are now more connected than ever, fostering economic growth and paving the way for a greener, more integrated future. Thanks to the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll administration and decades of hard work, South Coast Rail is now a reality. I can't wait to see the opportunities this new asset will bring to our region." 

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: 

“The train will improve access to jobs, both for Fall River & Taunton residents commuting north, and for Greater Boston residents who want to work, shop, or dine in Southeastern Massachusetts.” 

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland):

"The launch of South Coast Rail is a transformative step forward for our Commonwealth. An extended commuter rail network, paired with enhanced regional transit across the state, grows mobility and economic opportunity for residents and businesses in every part of the Commonwealth, and reduces traffic and emissions. I'm excited for the first passengers to get on board, and grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for delivering on a project that is decades in the making." 

House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy):

“The beginning of service on the new South Coast Rail Line means that residents of southeastern Massachusetts will have public transit access to downtown Boston for the first time in 65 years, representing our continued commitment to ensuring that every resident of the Commonwealth has access to an interconnected, safe, and reliable public transportation system. I want to thank Governor Healey and her team for working diligently to get this project over the finish line, as well as my colleagues in the Legislature for voting to provide the funding for this vital new service.” 

Mayor Paul Coogan, Fall River: 

“Today is a very exciting day in the City of Fall River and on the South Coast. 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.”  

Mayor Jon Mitchell, New Bedford: 

“Intercity rail service between New Bedford and Boston will be yet another good reason to live in our region. 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.” 

Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, Taunton:

“We are thrilled to have commuter rail service in Taunton at last! This milestone unlocks countless opportunities for employment, economic growth, and recreation, strengthening our community in so many ways. A huge congratulations to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Secretary Tibbits-Nutt, and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng for their dedication and perseverance in making this long-awaited project a reality, even in the face of unexpected challenges.” 

Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (D-Westport): 

“What a great day it is today for the SouthCoast!! After over 30 years of planning, designing, and engineering to get to this day, I’m thrilled to be able to finally say that SouthCoast Rail is NOW a reality! Thank you to the many hundreds of people who made this happen, including Governor Healey, Secretary Tibbits-Nutt, my Senate colleague Mark Montigny, and the man who has really taken on the challenge of bringing the oldest public transportation system in the country into the 21st century, MBTA, General Manager Philip Eng!! Next time you have to drive to Boston, and worry about parking, take the train instead!!” 

State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford): 

“Given the many false promises over decades, many residents reasonably remained skeptical of South Coast Rail, but we can finally say that the trains are rolling into New Bedford. I greatly appreciate the Healey Administration’s commitment to ensuring the final completion of the project, and we look forward to the continued economic development for New Bedford and the wider region.” 

State Representative Carole Fiola (D-Fall River): 

“The launch of South Coast Rail marks a significant moment in time! This project was the culmination of efforts by too many individuals to name who advocated tirelessly for access to our state capital by rail. We appreciate the work of the Healey-Driscoll Administration to push this to the finish line and applaud our residents for their efforts over the past 35 plus years to get us to this day.”  

State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D-New Bedford):

“Today marks a historic moment – for the first time in 65 years New Bedford is connected to Boston by commuter rail. The journey to get here has been long-a journey that I have been fighting for over 30 years, including a funding proposal in 2006. I am excited for this new era of opportunity for the entire South Coast. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration, the MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, and the Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt for their commitment to this project.”

State Representative Christopher Hendricks (D-New Bedford):

"The Commuter Rail is finally here in New Bedford and the Southcoast. This long-awaited return holds great promise for our city, and we are filled with excitement about its potential. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the MBTA, particularly Jean Fox and the entire Southcoast Rail team. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Healey-Driscoll administration for their unwavering support and commitment to our city’s growth and development.” 

State Representative Christopher Markey (D-Dartmouth):

“The South Coast Rail Line represents a tremendous advancement for our region and the Commonwealth. It would be impossible to thank everyone who helped push the project across the finish line and into New Bedford, but they should all take pride in knowing this is a new chapter for the South Coast. We are all deeply thankful for this opportunity and I know this investment will make New Bedford a better place to call home.”  

State Representative Mark Sylvia (D-Fairhaven):

“As the new representative in the seat once held by Transportation Chair Straus, I am proud to witness the realization of a project he dedicated so much of his time and effort to. The opening of the South Coast Rail is a monumental step forward for our region, bringing economic opportunity, increased accessibility, and improved transportation options to our communities, and I look forward to continuing the work of building a better, more connected future for all of us.” 

State Representative Norman Orrall (R-Lakeville): 

“I am excited for the extension of the commuter rail system to New Bedford and Fall River and the connection it provides within our South Coast communities. 

State Representative Justin Thurber (R-Somerset):

“I am confident that the Fall River/New Bedford Line will be successful and provide growth opportunities to the residents of the region.” 

Abdellah Chajai, General Manager and CEO, Keolis Commuter Service:

“Passengers can now leave their cars and traffic behind with a stress-free train ride between the South Coast and Boston. I want to thank the Keolis workforce, which has worked hard preparing for this new service. We're excited to begin operating trains to Fall River and New Bedford today.”