Where in Boston South Coast Rail Commuters Will Be Dropped Off

After decades of talking about it, delaying it, rerouting it and testing it, South Coast Rail is finally a reality for New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton.

The MBTA has posted the schedule for South Coast Rail Service, which will begin on March 24.

Those who promised commuter rail service to the region promoted it as the opening of an economic development corridor for the only state region not connected to the capital city by mass transit.

READ MORE: The Complete South Coast Rail Schedule Now Available

Southeastern Massachusetts – or "the end of the universe," as an official with the administration of former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis referred to it – was often bypassed for economic development opportunities. The development went to the Boston and Worcester areas where the legislative delegations were more influential.

Boston Herald columnist Peter Lucas wrote a piece referring to New Bedford as "Pit City." Who would want to develop anything in Pit City?

The same slick Boston politicians who told us New Bedford's casino was "on the one-yard line" played our local elected officials like a finely-tuned fiddle for years about South Coast Rail.

Many of them departed the planet, still waiting for the train.

Once commuters overwhelmed the highway system leading to and from Boston, the state advanced South Coast Rail. They had no other option.

Those eager to earn a Boston paycheck and bring it home to the SouthCoast can avoid the Southeast Expressway by spending about three hours per day riding the rail instead.

New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton have brand-new rail stations with pay-to-park lots.

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South Coast Rail delivers SouthCoasters to the Governor Michael S. Dukakis Transportation Center at Boston's South Station.

South Station, at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street in Dewey Square, is the largest railroad station and intercity bus terminal in Greater Boston and New England's second-largest transportation center after Logan International Airport.

READ MORE: South Coast Rail's Restroom Situation

After arriving at South Station, commuters can use ride-sharing options such as Uber or Lyft, taxi cabs, the subway, buses, or walk to the office or any other destination, including Logan Airport.