Option selected for South Coast Rail

At public meetings and in written comments this past spring, it was clear that a single-seat ride, the shortest possible travel time from Fall River and New Bedford, and service as early as possible is what was preferred. Because of this, according to MassDOT, a new station in Middleborough has become the South Coast Rail option. A station at Pilgrim Junction, at the eastern end of the Middleborough Secondary and adjacent to the existing layover facility, optimizes operations, provides the shortest travel time from Fall River and New Bedford, provides a one-seat ride for the majority of passengers, supports a connection for future Cape shuttle service, and allows the existing station to serve Cape Flyer service.

MassDOT has made it clear that that this option will be fully evaluated and will submit for full public review early in 2018.