The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority brought passenger rail service back to communities along the commonwealth’s south coast for the first time in 65 years. The new South Coast Rail service began on Monday, March 24, and connects Boston’s South Station with the communities of Taunton, Freetown, New Bedford, Middleboro, and Fall River. 

The route is an addition to the existing Middleborough Main Line (now called the Fall River/New Bedford Line) and was first proposed three decades ago. The new service operates over two lines with six stations; one line goes to Fall River and the other to New Bedford. The two lines split just south of East Taunton. 

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

There will be 15 trips on the Fall River line and 17 on the New Bedford Line, for a total of 32 trips between South Station and East Taunton during the week and 26 on the weekends. MBTA anticipates trains running every 70 minutes on weekdays and every 2 hours on weekends. —Justin Franz