Press Release from “State Senator Mark Montigny
Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) has championed the Southcoast Rail project since its inception, authoring the project’s key enabling law and vital capital funding that jumpstarted the project for the Greater New Bedford region. In particular, Montigny’s laws included the project’s very first environmental impact study as well as the later primary work for the design, permitting, and construction from New Bedford and Fall River to the Cotely Junction in Taunton along with over $250 million in state bonding authority.
Given the extensive history of this project, along with its many starts and stops, the public is eager to see train service finally commence in New Bedford. On 2/7, T officials informed Senator Montigny that passenger service will begin on March 24, 2025.
“Given the many false promises over decades, many residents reasonably remained skeptical of Southcoast Rail, but we can finally say that the trains are rolling into New Bedford,” said Senator Montigny. “I greatly appreciate that General Manager Eng listened to my concerns last year and has since ensured a firm timeline, fares, and schedules. Although important to the economic development of the region, Southcoast Rail carries with it the very real unintended risks of unaffordable housing and gentrification that we warned about and will continue to increase over time. As rail begins to unlock new opportunities for our community, we must also remain focused on addressing these concerns.”
As of now, all project infrastructure construction is complete, and the MBTA recently completed an extensive testing phase for the route’s positive control system. The MBTA also submitted all required documents to the Federal Railroad Administration.
Where are the Stations?
All six stations are completed. Stations are fully accessible. They are: East Taunton Station site, 1141 County Street, Taunton; Church Street Station site, 387 Church Street, New Bedford; New Bedford Station site, Acushnet Avenue (at Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot), New Bedford; Fall River Depot site, 825 Davol Street, Fall River; Freetown Station site, 153 South Main Street, Assonet; Middleborough Station site, 161 South Main Street, Middleborough
The new stations are in Zone 8, meaning a one-way fare to Boston will cost $12.25 with a reduced rate at $6 for seniors and the disabled. Weekend and federal holiday fares are $10. The train is free for children under 11, individuals who are legally blind, police, firefighters, and military personnel. A total of 32 daily trips will run to and from South Station. There will be a total of 15 trips on the Fall River line and 17 trips on the New Bedford Line with a total of 32 trips between South Station and East Taunton. There will be a total of 26 trips between South Station and East Taunton on the weekends. The MBTA anticipates trains to run every 70 minutes on weekdays and every 2 hours on the weekends.
The trip from New Bedford to South Station should take about 90 minutes.
Parking will cost $4 per day on weekdays and $2 per day on weekends and holidays—the same parking rate as similar Commuter Rail stations.
Late night service will be offered to South Coast Rail stations with the last train leaving Boston just before midnight.
It is the first time in 65 years that New Bedford will have train service to Boston.
Learn more at https://www.mbta.com/projects/south-coast-rail
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