South Coast Rail Service to Begin on March 24

BOSTON (WBSM) — South Coast Rail has been decades in the making, and after multiple delays over the years, the first commuter trains will begin service in New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton earlier than most recently expected.

Senator Mark Montigny, who has long championed commuter rail service for the SouthCoast over the past 30-plus years, announced today on WBSM’s SouthCoast Now with Chris McCarthy that the first passenger trains will begin service earlier than the previously-announced time frame of May 2025.

Today, MBTA officials informed Montigny that passenger service will begin on March 24, 2025.

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“Given the many false promises over decades, many residents reasonably remained skeptical of South Coast Rail, but we can finally say that the trains are rolling into New Bedford,” Montigny said in a release after his radio appearance.

“I greatly appreciate that (MBTA) General Manager (Phillip) Eng listened to my concerns last year and has since ensured a firm timeline, fares and schedules,” he said.

READ MORE: South Coast Rail Testing Gets Underway

The MBTA completed its extensive testing phase of the South Coast Rail route recently and turned over maintenance and operations responsibility to Keolis on January 6, clearing the way for passenger rail service to officially begin.

READ MORE: New Bedford's New $21 Million Pedestrian Bridge Taking Shape

A one-way fare to Boston from the New Bedford, Fall River or Taunton stations will cost $12.25, with a reduced rate of $6 for seniors and the disabled. Weekend and holiday fares will be $10. The train will also be free for children under 11 as well as police, firefighters, military personnel and those who are legally blind.

A total of 32 daily trips will run to and from South Station.

READ MORE: New Bedford Shopping Plaza Sold for $14 Million

Public Meeting Planned for Monday

There will be a public, in-person meeting to discuss the latest South Coast Rail news with residents coming up on Monday, February 10 at 6 p.m. at Freetown Elementary School.