MBTA kicks off South Coast Rail service

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) South Coast Rail service to Boston launched today, operating to the Fall River and New Bedford communities for the first time in over 65 years.

To mark the occasion, the rail service will be offered fare-free through the end of the month, state officials announced last week. South Coast Rail extends service on the existing Middleborough/Lakeville Line, which has been renamed the Fall River/New Bedford Line.

MBTA has completed construction of six rail stations and tested over 800 positive train control safety functions in order to launch the service.

“South Coast Rail is going to bring easier commutes, less congestion and economic and housing development all across the region,” said Lieutenant Gov. Kim Driscoll in a press release.