MBTA announces start date for South Coast rail service

The MBTA has set a start date for the long-awaited South Coast Rail passenger service.

The T said on Friday that trains will begin running on March 24 pending final approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

For the first time in 65 years, cities including Taunton, Freetown, New Bedford, Middleboro, and Fall River will have access to passenger rail service.

“The people of Taunton, Freetown, New Bedford, Middleboro, and Fall River have been waiting for passenger rail service for far too long,” said Governor Maura Healey. “General Manager Eng and his team aren’t kicking the can down the road – they’re delivering. We’re thrilled to soon be launching South Coast Rail service, which will make it easier for South Coast residents to get around the state, reduce congestion, and spur economic development.”

Train schedule:

• The Fall River Line will feature a total of 15 trips, while the New Bedford Line will offer 17 trips, making for 32 trips total between South Station and East Taunton.
• On weekends, there will be 26 trips between South Station and East Taunton.
• Weekday trains will run every 70 minutes, with service every 2 hours on weekends.
• Late-night service will also be available, with the last train leaving Boston just before midnight.
• In addition to direct service, shuttles will operate between each terminus point and East Taunton Station, ensuring more frequent connections.

“This will allow communities in Boston, southeastern Massachusetts, and many in between to connect by train for the first time in decades,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng.

Train station renaming

• When service begins, the Middleborough/Lakeville Line will be renamed the Fall River/New Bedford Line.
• The Middleborough/Lakeville Station, located at 125 Commercial Drive in Lakeville, will be renamed Lakeville Station, but commuter rail trains will no longer stop there. The station will instead serve only the seasonal Cape Cod Flyer.
• A new Middleborough Station, located at 52 West Grove Street in Middleborough, will serve as the new stop for commuter rail.

The fare for all South Coast Rail stations will be priced at Zone 8, with a full fare of $12.25 and a reduced fare of $6.

For more information and updates on the opening, visit the link here.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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