MBTA reaches significant milestone for South Coast Rail in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Freetown, Middleborough

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has announced that the dispatching responsibilities for the South Coast Rail territory has been transferred to MBTA’s Railroad Operations division and will now be performed by its operating partner Keolis Commuter Services, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progress. 

“We remain committed to delivering long awaited rail service on the new South Coast Rail project to provide residents with reliable alternatives to driving,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “With the completion of automatic train control testing and the support of our operating partner Keolis taking over dispatch, we’re excited to be one step closer to bringing safe and reliable service to more communities.”

The upcoming transition includes preparations for Keolis to assume maintenance responsibilities effective February 1, 2025, further consolidating operational oversight under MBTA management. 

Currently, Massachusetts Coastal Railroad manages dispatch operations and is actively facilitating the transition to Keolis, ensuring a seamless integration into the Commuter Rail system.

Initiated in 2019, the South Coast Rail project aims to restore passenger rail service between Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts, after over 65 years of hiatus. 

“This transition is a pivotal step towards integrating the South Coast Rail project into our Commuter Rail system,” said MBTA South Coast Rail Program Executive Karen Antion. “With Keolis taking over dispatch duties, we are on track to meet our scheduled milestones and bring Commuter Rail service to the South Coast region.” 

“We’re excited to be one step closer to passenger service commencement and to bringing Commuter Rail benefits to another region in Massachusetts,” said MBTA Executive Director of Commuter Rail Michael Muller. 

“Hundreds of thousands of individuals rely on the MBTA every day. Transitioning dispatch operations to Keolis is a critical milestone for the South Coast Rail project and is reflective of our dedication to seamlessly integrate this territory into our existing network,” said MBTA Chief Railroad Officer Michael Rooks.

Passenger service is anticipated to commence in Spring 2025 and the fare structure for all South Coast Rail stations will align with Zone 8 pricing of the existing Commuter Rail fare structure. This means that passengers will pay a full fare of $12.25 and a reduced fare of $6.00. The decision to place these stations in Zone 8 aligns with the existing fare structure of the Commuter Rail, which is organized into zones ranging from 1A (the core metro area) to 10, as well as Interzone fares for trips that do not enter Zone 1A. The placement of the new Middleborough Station and the similarly distanced East Taunton Station in Zone 8 is consistent with the current Zone 8 designation of the Middleborough/Lakeville station, which will be replaced by the new Middleborough Station. Furthermore, a comparison of the straight-line distances of the new stations (Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford) with existing Commuter Rail stations across various lines supports their placement in either Zone 8 or 9. 

Some trains may pass at speeds up to 79 miles per hour. The MBTA emphasizes public safety, urging caution near rail tracks and underscoring the importance of avoiding trespassing. 

With Automatic Train Control (ATC) testing completed, additional testing is underway, including testing of over 800 Positive Train Control (PTC) functions. Beginning in August, two test trains will be testing simultaneously.   

Also, according to Chief Communications Officer Gabrielle Mondestin, “seeing as though the South Coast Rail is an extension of the Middleborough Line Commuter Rail service, on which weekend service is already scheduled and offered, it is not a question of whether weekend service will be provided but rather at what levels as service schedules and levels are still under evaluation as part of the overall service schedule development. We will be sure to share the finalized details as soon as they’re available.”