### South Coast Rail Brings Passenger Service Back to Southeastern Massachusetts
After 65 years, southeastern Massachusetts will once again have passenger rail service connecting its cities and towns to downtown Boston. Officials from the Healey/Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) celebrated the long-anticipated launch of South Coast Rail and the commencement of service on the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line.
The South Coast Rail Program extended the existing Middleborough Commuter Rail Line, reconstructed over 17 miles of the New Bedford Main Line and nearly 12 miles of the Fall River Secondary Line, and upgraded the existing Middleborough Secondary track from Pilgrim Junction to Cotley Junction. Additionally, the project included the construction of two new layover facilities and six new Commuter Rail stations.
“After years of delays, we took this challenge head-on and delivered for the people of the South Coast – and our entire state will benefit,” said Governor Maura Healey. The new commuter rail line will also offer more trips than originally planned, providing increased connectivity for the region.
*Pictured: The new MBTA station in East Taunton.*
