-
- Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll (CENTER), New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell (LEFT), with state Sen. Mark Montigny (RIGHT) and other officials cut the ribbon at the Downtown New Bedford station on 3/24/25 for the opening of SouthCoast Rail, MBTA commuter rail service to Boston, the first time the SouthCoast has had rail service to Boston in 65 years. Photo courtesy of Glenn C. Silva.
By Beth David, Editor
The long-promised MBTA Commuter rail from New Bedford to Boston has actually arrived, after a 65 year absence. The Governor, Lt. Governor, and a host of other politicians and state and local officials converged on New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton for the first day of actual, real, commuter rail service on 3/24/25. They then met up in Taunton for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
About 150 people were in New Bedford for the 10:43 train to Taunton to meet up with the Governor. In Taunton more than 500 people were on hand to listen to the speechmaking.
“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,” said Gov. Maura Healey in Taunton.
In a press released, State Rep. Mark Sylvia (D-Fairhaven) said, “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.”
SouthCoast Rail from New Bedford will run 17 trips each weekday.
The full schedule is available at mbta.com or https://tinyurl.com/2ywp9v54. Fares are free every day until March 31. Then, through April 27, parking and fares are free.
After that, regular fares will be $12.25 each way, $6 for reduced fare customers (seniors, disabled, etc.). Visit https://www.mbta.com/fares/reduced for full list.
All commuter rails are $10 flat fee on weekends.
Stations are in downtown New Bedford, 536 Acushnet Avenue (Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot), and 387 Church Street. After 4/27, parking will be $4 on weekdays, $2 on weekends.
-
- Mass. Governor Maura Healey addresses the crowd of about 500 people in Taunton, MA on 3/24/2025, for the opening of the SouthCoast Rail, MBTA commuter rail service to Boston, the first time the SouthCoast has had rail service to Boston in 65 years. Photo courtesy of Glenn C. Silva..
•••
Click here to download the 3/27/25 issue: 03-27-25 MarchForMeals
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
