The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has announced that the South Coast Rail commuter service will commence in April 2025, reconnecting southeastern Massachusetts to Boston, with commuters being able to take a one-seat trip. The project, part of MBTA’s broader expansion efforts, will restore passenger rail service to Fall River and New Bedford for the first time since 1958. The Phase 1 development of the South Coast Rail project includes two new rail lines, featuring six new stations and a new rail yard. Trains will run along the Middleborough Secondary and New Bedford Main Line, offering direct service to Boston’s South Station via the existing Middleborough/Lakeville commuter rail line.
The $1.1 billion project is nearing completion, with track installation, station construction, and infrastructure upgrades progressing steadily. The service will offer morning, midday, and evening trips, improving connectivity, and reducing travel time between southeastern Massachusetts and Boston.
Future phases of the South Coast Rail project aim to extend service via the Stoughton route, further improving regional rail connectivity.