MBTA Brings Passenger Rail to Southeastern Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has launched South Coast Rail and begun service on the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line. For the first time in more than 65 years, the cities and towns of southeastern Massachusetts will have passenger rail service to and from downtown Boston.

MA 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 for recent celebrations.

“There’s a reason that commuter rail ridership has returned to pre-pandemic levels faster than any other system in the country—because we’ve proven to riders that it’s an easy and reliable way to get where they need to go,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “That’s why it’s so important that we are expanding rail service to the South Coast for the first time in 65 years. As a former mayor of a city with commuter rail service, I know what it does for a local economy, especially in South Coast cities that have incredible destinations like Battleship Cove in Fall River, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, art galleries in Taunton, and feasts and festivals all over. We are thrilled to be bringing this investment to the South Coast and hope riders will join us aboard the train soon!”

“This is truly a day for celebration for all, in particular for the many stakeholders who long advocated for this service,” said General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “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. Today, we make history together and welcome back our southeastern Mass. passengers to the T.”