BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has received federal approval to begin South Coast Rail service, clearing the way for the launch of the expanded commuter rail operation on Monday, March 24.
The Fall River Herald News reports the MBTA was informed the Federal Railroad Administration had granted approval on Friday, March 21, according to an email from an MBTA representative. The transit agency had been waiting for the FRA to approve its plan for speed limits on the new lines to Fall River and New Bedford, WSHU Radio reports.
The extension of the existing Middleborough/Lakeville Line — to be renamed the Fall River/New Bedford Line with Monday’s launch of service — will bring passenger rail service to the communities for the first time in 65 years. The new service adds 37 miles and six stations to the MBTA commuter network. Weekday service will be free to and from the new stations until March 31, while weekend service will be free from those stations until the end of April [see “MBTA expands free service …,” Trains News Wire, March 21, 2024]. The schedule calls for 16 full weekday round trips between Boston’s South Station and the two endpoints, with additional shuttle service connecting Fall River to the trains to and from New Bedford [see “Schedule released …,” News Wire, Marc 4, 2025]. There will be 13 weekend round trips.
WOW! great timing with 2-1/2 days remaining before hoped for service. Now if FRA can just not be so timely and wait just 1 day before to approve AX-2 service.