southcoast rail

The bus company running the only direct mass transit service between Boston and SouthCoast communities in the Greater New Bedford area has announced that it will suspend its service permanently in mid-April.

The city of New Bedford has reached an agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to build a new $21 million pedestrian bridge over Rt. 18.

New Bedford voters have spoken: city residents have agreed by a large majority to join the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, clearing the way for SouthCoast Rail to start service to Boston as planned in 2023.

Railroad track upgrades along the soon-to-come South Coast Rail lines are allowing freight trains to travel at more than twice their former velocity, according to an advisory from railroad officials.

State transportation officials told New Bedford residents at a Tuesday community meeting that the long-promised South Coast Rail project is nearing the halfway point, and could start carrying passengers by the end of 2023.

The governor's latest transportation bill includes $825 million in bonding authority to extend commuter rail service to New Bedford and Fall River.

The work is scheduled for Freetown, and will run from Thursday through Sunday.

MassDOT says the work in Lakeville will start Thursday and continue around the clock until June 10.

Current plans call for Fall River and New Bedford passengers to connect with the Middleboro line and then on to Boston

The plan, released Monday, details the proposed 20-year vision for a statewide rail system, including South Coast Rail, and also seeks public comment.