In an initiative set to drive usage and celebrate the launch of the South Coast Rail service, Governor Maura Healey, along with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), announced free weekend train rides and parking from March 29 through April 27, including Patriots’ Day on April 21. As the South Coast region prepares to welcome back passenger rail service after a 65-year hiatus, this measure aims to encourage residents and visitors to explore the new connection starting March 24, pending final Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approval.
Free service will be available on Saturdays and Sundays specifically for rides boarding or ending at one of the six stations part of the Fall River and New Bedford lines, and passengers have been instructed to share their origin and destination stations with conductors to benefit from the complimentary trips, “We are so excited to be less than a month away from the launch of South Coast Rail service," Governor Healey expressed in a statement obtained by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, noting the potential for eased travel, reduced congestion, and economic growth. While this promotional offering is exclusive to the South Coast Rail, regular fares still hold sway during the weekdays, placing all South Coast Rail stations in Zone 8 – which equates to a full fare of $12.25, and a reduced fare of $6 for a one-way journey between Zone 1A to Zone 8.
For travelers considering regular commuting, there are additional fare options including a $10 weekend and holiday pass across all Commuter Rail stations, as well as a monthly pass for Zone 8, costing $388 full fare, $190 reduced fare, with a further mTicket discount available, as detailed in the Mass.gov announcement. To sweeten the deal, free parking will accompany the South Coast Rail’s passenger revival at Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Church Street, Fall River Depot, and New Bedford station lots – valid from the opening day on March 24 through April 31—yet this may be subject to change if parking lot capacity reaches its limits before the end of April.
Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt highlighted the administration's dedication to expanding public transportation and investing in infrastructure improvements, “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to expanding access to public transportation, investing in infrastructure improvements, and furthering the mission of MassDOT to provide safe, reliable and resilient transportation in every corner of the state,” she said, emphasizing the administration's intent to transform how South Coast residents commute into Boston. For further details on this service, riders can access information on Mass.gov or connect with the MBTA through its presence on various social media platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.
