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

FALL RIVER, NEW BEDFORD, FREETOWN, TAUNTON, MIDDLEBORO – With South Coast Rail beginning on March 24th, Fall River Reporter tries to answer questions that you may have thanks to information provided by the MBTA.

Animals on the T

Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. Allowing animals off leash, out of carriers, and/or taking up vehicle seats is not permitted.

Small domestic animals are allowed at all times if they’re in a secure animal carrier. Keep carriers on your lap, if possible, and away from vehicle doors, especially during rush hour.

Larger pet dogs that don’t fit in a carrier are not allowed on the T during peak hours (weekdays 7 – 9 AM and 4 – 7 PM). Larger dogs are allowed during off-peak hours if they’re kept on a leash.

Riders should avoid bringing pets onto the T during holidays or large events, such as the Boston Marathon. MBTA personnel have the right to restrict pet access to T vehicles and stations within their own judgment due to conditions such as crowds or the animal’s behavior.

Buying Tickets

mTicket

Commuter Rail passes for all Zones are available in the mTicket app. Purchase your tickets any time before your trip, and then activate them when you’re ready to board. Please note that mTicket passes are not valid for travel on the bus or subway.

Fare Vending Machines

Commuter Rail passes and Commuter Rail Zone 1A CharlieTickets for Zones 1A – 10 are available at fare vending machines located in subway stations and some Commuter Rail stations—including North and South stations. Fare vending machines accept credit, debit, and cash payments.

You will need to know which Zone you are traveling to in order to purchase your ticket. At some stations, Zone maps are posted next to the machines. You can also reference this Commuter Rail Zone map.

Ticket Windows

Tickets and passes for all Commuter Rail Zones are available at ticket windows located in North, South, and Back Bay stations. This is especially helpful if you aren’t sure which Zone you’re traveling to—simply tell the agent where you’re headed and whether you’re going one-way or round trip.

Retail Sales Locations

Tickets and passes for Commuter Rail Zones 1A – 10 are available at retail stores throughout the region. Stores accept credit, debit, and cash payments.

You can also buy your ticket from the conductor after you board. You can pay with cash or credit card, and there may be an additional $3 fee if you board the train at a station where there’s a fare vending machine or a ticket window. 

Please note that this is not always available, and conductors may check your ticket before you board. Buying passes in advance whenever possible is recommended.

Eating and Drinking 

Food and drink are allowed but must remain in closed containers. 

The MBTA is a public space. Drinking alcohol from an open container in public is illegal.

Bulky Items

Large items are not permitted on the T. This includes:

• Appliances
• Dirt bikes
• Furniture 
• Instrument set-ups
• Large machinery
• Motorcycles
• Retail or grocery store shopping carts

Bicycles are allowed on the Commuter Rail during off-peak travel times. Bikes are not allowed on trains during peak travel times (M – F, 7 – 9 AM and 4 – 7 PM).

Smoking and Vaping

Smoking, vaping and use of e-cigarettes are prohibited in all MBTA stations and vehicles.

Noise

Using mobile or music devices without headphones in MBTA stations and vehicles is prohibited.

Avoid loud conversations in person and on mobile devices when riding on the T.

Train Schedule

A detailed timetable for SCR trains can be found at the link here and below.

Commuter Rail trains will no longer stop at Lakeville Station. The Lakeville Station will serve only the seasonal CapeFLYER.   

Fare Cost

The fare structure for all South Coast Rail stations will be priced in Zone 8. Passengers will pay a full fare of $12.25 and a reduced fare of $6. 

Fare-free service will be available on South Coast Rail’s new Fall River/New Bedford Line 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 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.

People 65 and older and people with disabilities are eligible to ride the Commuter Rail for half the price of a standard one-way fare. One-way and round-trip tickets and monthly passes are available.

If you have a Transportation Access Pass (TAP) or a Senior CharlieCard, tickets are available at fare vending machines, ticket windows, and retail sales locations. You can also use mTicket if you have registered your reduced fare card in the app—go to Account Details and then Reduced Fares.

People 65 and older can also purchase tickets on board the train. Just show the conductor your Senior CharlieCard or a state-issued ID for proof of age.

People who are blind or have low vision ride all MBTA services for free with a Blind Access Card.

Restrooms

Large stations, including Back Bay, North Station, South Station, Providence, and Worcester, have public restrooms. 

Restrooms are not available at all stations but are available on Commuter Rail trains. 

Parking 

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 the day on April 30, 2025.  

This free parking promotion may end earlier than anticipated 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.