MBTA to launch South Coast Rail service next month

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) expects to launch its South Coast Rail passenger service on March 24, pending final approval from the Federal Railroad Administration.

When it launches, South Coast Rail will be the first passenger-rail service in 65 years to operate between Boston and the southeastern Massachusetts communities of Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River, MBTA officials said in a press release. 

South Coast Rail extends service on the existing Middleborough/Lakeville Line, which will be renamed the Fall River/New Bedford Line. MBTA has completed construction of six rail stations and tested over 800 positive train control safety functions. Operators are preparing to learn the route. 

A total 15 trips will operate on the Fall River Line and 17 trips on the New Bedford Line for a total 32 trips between South Station and East Taunton each day. On weekends, that number will drop to 26.