Healey-Driscoll Administration, MBTA, announce South Coast Rail service will be free this month, here are the details

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MBTA today announced that South Coast Rail service will be free through the end of March. This is in addition to the previously announced fare-free service on weekends through April. Beginning today, fares may also be purchased for the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line on the mTicket app. 

“We are so excited to be on the South Coast on Monday to celebrate the launch of rail service for these communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re proud to now be offering free service all day, every day on the Fall River/New Bedford Line through the end of March to express our gratitude to the community and encourage residents to take the train.” 

“South Coast Rail is going to bring easier commutes, less congestion and economic and housing development all across the region,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We hope that community members will join us by taking the train and seeing all of the benefits that this service will bring – for free!” 

“The Healey-Driscoll administration is dedicated to expanding public transportation to every corner of the state, and it’s incredibly exciting to see passenger train service launching between Fall River, New Bedford, and Boston,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “To encourage as many people as possible to experience the convenience and comfort of South Coast Rail, we’re making rides free for the first several weeks. Whether traveling for work, school, business, or leisure, riders will see firsthand how accessible and enjoyable public transit can be.” 

Here is everything you need to know about taking a trip on South Coast Rail

“The MBTA is proud to launch South Coast Rail service; a truly monumental moment for these communities that we will now serve directly and for so many that have long advocated for this service. To celebrate this accomplishment, we’re pleased to offer free weekday fares through March 31 in addition to free weekends through April,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Whether you’re traveling from Fall River or New Bedford to downtown Boston or heading toward southeastern Mass. to enjoy their many community offerings, we welcome new and even more passengers to experience the benefits of this new transit expansion. Leave the driving to us, Take the T!”  

The MBTA continues to be on schedule to begin South Coast Rail passenger service the morning of March 24, 2025, with schedules available now on mbta.com. This will be the first time the region has had passenger rail service in 65 years. 

Free Weekday Service March 24 – March 31  

Fare-free weekday service will be available on the Fall River and New Bedford lines each weekday, March 24 – March 31. Passengers can ride for free if they are boarding or ending their ride at one of the six South Coast Rail stations. Riders should share their origin and destination stations with conductors in order to receive free travel. This offer is only valid on the Fall River and New Bedford lines and does not apply to trains on other Commuter Rail lines.    

mTicket Sales Now Open 

Beginning today, passengers can now purchase fares on the Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line on the mTicket app. mTickets are a convenient option for one-way Commuter Rail rides or pass holders who don’t often take subway or bus, offering a $10 discount on monthly passes and a 10 percent discount for 5-day Flex Passes. mTickets are valid for 90 days after purchase. More information is available at mbta.com/mTicket. 

On weekdays beyond March 31 and weekends after April, regular Commuter Rail fares are in effect for South Coast Rail. 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 for a one-way ride between Zone 1A to 8.  

Other fare options:   

• Weekend/Holiday Pass: Flat $10 weekend and holiday pass fares apply across Commuter Rail stations and zones including South Coast Rail  
• Monthly Pass (Zone 8): Monthly Zone 8 passes cost $388 full fare / $190 reduced fare. A discount of $10 full fare / $5 reduced fare is available for monthly passes on mTicket.   

Free Weekend Service Through April 

As previously announced, fare-free service will be available on the Fall River and New Bedford lines for all weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) between March 29 and April 27, and on April 21 (Patriots’ Day). Passengers can ride for free if they are boarding or ending their ride at one of the six South Coast Rail stations.  

Riders should share their origin and destination stations with conductors in order to receive free travel. This offer is only valid on the Fall River and New Bedford lines and does not apply to trains on other Commuter Rail lines.    

Free Parking 

As previously announced, Commuter Rail parking at the six South Coast rail station lots – Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Church Street, Fall River Depot, and New Bedford – will be free March 24 through the end of day April 30, 2025.  

This free parking promotion may end early if South Coast Rail parking lots fill up and spaces become unavailable. Standard parking rates for South Coast Rail stations are $4 per day on weekdays and $2 per day on weekends/holidays. 

For more information, visit mbta.com/SouthCoastRail.