The long-anticipated South Coast Rail project has reached a significant milestone, as service officially commenced today. This development has finally bridged the gap between southeastern Massachusetts and South Station in Boston, offering a new commuting option to residents of Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford for the first time in over six decades, as reported by NBC Boston. The addition of six new stations aims to connect these major cities, which were previously the only ones within a 50-mile radius of Boston without direct rail access.
According to CBS Boston, travelers from the region can now rejoice in a more relaxed commute, with trips that approximately take 90 minutes from end to end. As an introductory celebration, the MBTA has made all trips from the new stations free through the end of March, and weekend travel and parking will continue to be fare-free until April 27. "It's just so much less stress. You know, I still have to take a couple of T trains when I get there, but it's so much less stressful," said Jennifer Bryant, a Middleboro resident, illustrating the relief felt by many South Coast commuters.
The service incorporates both Fall River and New Bedford branches, which converge at a new station in East Taunton, linking them onto the existing line now dubbed the Fall River-New Bedford line and maintaining its terminal at South Station in Boston. Of note is the shifted Middleboro-Lakeville station, which will henceforth be known as Lakeville station, while a fresh Middleboro station on Grove Street will be taking over regular commuter rail functions.
Senator Mark Montigny, a steadfast advocate who has been tirelessly pushing for this project since the 1990s, expressed his deep sentiments on the project's fruition. Reflecting on the years of "political capital spent," Montigny told NBC Boston of his "strangest emotional feeling" as the opening day dawned. Admittedly hitting a low point around 2010 with a surge of pessimism, his hope was rekindled under former Gov. Charlie Baker's administration, and eventually realized with Gov. Healey's support.
With the operation now in full swing, trains are set to run on weekdays every 70 minutes with 32 direct trips planned per day between the South Coast and South Station. Adjusted weekend services are expected to follow a two-hour interval schedule, ensuring late-night availability, with the last southbound ride set to depart Boston around midnight. The hope is that such enhancements to the regional transit infrastructure will bolster economic viability and the overall well-being of southeastern Massachusetts.
