EAST TAUNTON, MA — The Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) recently 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, Massachusetts.
“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,” Healey said. “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.”
“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,” Tibbits-Nutt said. “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,” Eng said. “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.”
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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.
