Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The MBTA South Coast Rail began service Monday morning, after decades of work and over a billion dollars spent on the project.
The new commuter rail line extends service on the Middleborough/Lakeville line to Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River. It’s now called the Fall River/New Bedford line.
“It was beautiful, I didn’t feel a bump, it was just lovely to get on. I live two blocks away from the station,” said Carmilla Green of New Bedford, one of the riders on the first train that arrived at Boston’s South Station.
The new commute option is great news for Green, who has been driving into Cambridge for work every day for 23 years. Others have had to wait even longer.
With six new commuter rail stations, this is the first time in 65 years that the communities of Taunton, Freetown, New Bedford, Middleborough and Fall River have had passenger rail service.
Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
William, one of the first riders traveling from Boston to Fall River, said this a great start for the MBTA, but he wants to see more.
“Train service is better than no train service but we need to build phase two, we need to get the people of Stoughton and Easton on board with actually having trains in their communities, because it can help them,” William said.
Governor Maura Healey riding the new Fall River/New Bedford line on March 24, 2025.Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
Governor Maura Healey’s office announced service on the Fall River/New Bedford line will be free through the end of March, and weekend service will be free through the end of April.
After that, full fare for all stations will be $12.25 and reduced fare will be $6.
WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.