MBTA General Manager Shares South Coast Rail Updates in Taunton

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) shared South Coast Rail project updates at the Taunton City Hall. This follows two previous meetings, which took place in June, 2024 in Fall River and New Bedford.

The project includes six stations: Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford.

“The MBTA remains steadfast in advancing the South Coast Rail project as quickly as possible and with the highest standards of quality and safety,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We understand the significant impact this project has on the local communities, as well as the surrounding region. Our ongoing testing and quality control measures are aimed at ensuring a reliable and dependable rail service that the community can trust.”

“The South Coast Rail project is crucial for our southeastern Massachusetts communities, and we are dedicated to its success,” said MBTA South Coast Rail Program Executive Karen Antion. “We’re currently testing Positive Train Control (PTC) systems, a key safety measure, through January 2025. As Keolis continues train dispatch, please be aware of increased train activity and follow all safety warnings at crossings. With construction nearly complete and testing underway, we're on track to deliver a safe and reliable rail service.”

Train schedule

Initially, 26 trips were expected to be part of revenue service daily for the Fall River and New Bedford lines. The team has since increased total weekday trips between South Station and East Taunton to 32. This includes 15 trips on the Fall River line (increased from 13) and 17 trips on the New Bedford Line (increased from 13). There will be a total of 26 trips between South Station and East Taunton on the weekends. The project team expects 70 minutes between trains on weekdays and 120 minutes between trains on the weekends.

Late night service will be offered to South Coast Rail stations with the last train leaving Boston just before midnight.

In addition to direct service, there will also be shuttles operating between each terminus point and East Taunton Station. This allows for even more frequent service, which is consistent with the All Day Service model across the rest of the Commuter Rail network.

The MBTA has determined that the fare structure for all South Coast Rail stations will be priced in Zone 8. This means that passengers will pay a full fare of $12.25 and a reduced fare of $6.

Positive Train Control (PTC) system testing is underway

Automatic Train Control (ATC) testing completed in July, 2024 and dispatch responsibilities have been transferred to Keolis. Positive Train Control (PTC) system testing is federally mandated and underway for two trains on the South Coast Rail. It is expected to run through January 2025. PTC is a safety technology that acts as a digital guardrail for trains. It can automatically prevent collisions, stop trains from entering unauthorized work zones, ensure they don’t proceed through misaligned switches, and enforce speed limits.

The trains are testing over 800 Positive Train Control (PTC) functions, and residents will see increased train movements and crossing signal usage as Keolis begins dispatching trains. To date, over 400 PTC functions have been tested.

Keolis will operate the rail system and will commence maintenance duties on February 1, 2025.

Construction

Construction and inspections have been completed on all stations with the exception of East Taunton Station. Work is concentrated on the elevators at this time. East Taunton Station is the most complex station in the project. It relies on a center island platform and requires components like elevators, ramps, and stairs for safe and accessible access and egress. Middleborough, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford stations rely on side platforms for passenger loading and unloading.

The only remaining outstanding certificate of occupancy is for the Wamsutta Layover Facility in New Bedford.

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

"I am very pleased that, after years of advocacy, the first phase has been officially completed. I look forward to the advancements in Phase Two, which will electrify the Stoughton Line to enhance travel efficiency and connect even more communities within the southeastern region,” said Senator Marc Pacheco.

“I am encouraged that General Manager Eng has committed to a firm schedule and fares that include increased daily trips to New Bedford as well as weekend and late-night service,” said Senator Mark Montigny who leveraged his Ways and Means Chairmanship to lead the early fight for South Coast Rail, including drafting its initial enabling legislation and bonding authority. “Establishing these firm commitments is paramount to building trust among our residents who have been subjected to too many false promises and unnecessary cheerleading over the years. We look forward to the project’s final completion in May 2025.”

“Today’s first train ride on the South Coast Rail carries the reality that train service will soon be operable for the residents of the South Coast,” said Representative Bill Straus. “The excitement and feedback I hear from my constituents about SCR soon to be in service is something that the entire South Coast Delegation and I have worked on for many years.”

“Today marks another definitive step towards bringing affordable passenger rail to the South Coast,” said Representative Chris Markey. “I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of a multitude of governors, transportation secretaries, and legislators who made today a reality. I would specifically like to highlight the work of Governor Baker and Chairman Straus who catalyzed this much needed investment in the South Coast.”

“I am excited to see the continued progress the MBTA has made on the South Coast Rail project. During the inspection train ride this afternoon, I witnessed the rigorous testing they are undertaking to make sure this train is safe for passengers. The ride was smooth and efficient, and I look forward to reliable rail service returning to the South Coast next spring,” said Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral.

“I am very pleased to see that South Coast Rail is nearing completion, and, as GM Eng said, is set to welcome riders in spring 2025,” said Representative Carol Doherty. “With the inclusion of East Taunton station, residents of the Third Bristol District will have an affordable and reliable method of transportation to and from Boston. I will continue to work with the MBTA as they bring this project to fruition.”

"Today’s inspection train was physical evidence that the T remains committed to the South Coast Rail project and to the region as a whole. I commend General Manager Eng and the project team, and I’m looking forward to the start of revenue service next year," said Representative Patricia Haddad.

"After countless years of waiting to get the commuter rail back in New Bedford, I am thrilled with the MBTA’s progress on the South Coast Rail project," said Representative Chris Hendricks. "I am eager to continue working with the New Bedford state delegation to ensure this remains a positive investment for the City. This long-awaited MBTA expansion is a game-changer for our community, connecting New Bedford and the Southcoast to Boston which will undoubtedly unlock new economic opportunities for residents and businesses alike."