South Coast Rail Massachusetts Restores Links After 65 Years

Massachusetts officials launched South Coast Rail Massachusetts, reconnecting the southeast to Boston after 65 years. The MBTA and Keolis now operate these vital train routes. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Authorities extended the Boston South-Middleboro/Lakeville line to Taunton, branching to Fall River and New Bedford. Trains now link these cities to Boston within 80 kilometers.

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Previously, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton lacked direct rail access to the state capital. Crews built six new stations, keeping trips under 90 minutes for commuters.

On weekdays, operators schedule 15 train pairs to Fall River and 17 to New Bedford daily. However, weekends cut services to 26 combined pairs, matching lower demand.

Planners intend to extend another suburban route from Boston to Stoughton via Taunton soon. This upgrade ensures better travel options across Massachusetts for all residents.

South Coast Rail Massachusetts Boosts Infrastructure

The South Coast Rail initiative sat in discussions for decades until action began in 2014. That year, transportation officials hired Vanesse Hangen Brustlin and HNTB for consulting.

Officials kicked off construction with a ceremony at East Freetown station in July 2019. Contracts for track work and upgrades soon followed, driving the project forward.

In May 2020, Skanska-DW White landed a $159 million deal for initial rail improvements. Then, SCR Constructors, with Middlesex and Tutor Perini, secured $404 million in August.

Additionally, authorities purchased 16 double-decker cars from Hyundai Rotem to increase passenger space. These investments deliver modern, efficient travel for commuters throughout the region.

Residents now access faster trips and reliable service thanks to this rail project’s completion. Businesses in Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton expect growth from Boston ties.

South Coast Rail Massachusetts Spurs Growth

Experts forecast the rail extension will reduce road congestion and fuel economic progress regionally. Commuters hail this milestone, ending decades of isolation from Boston’s network.

Officials keep refining schedules and infrastructure to meet rising demand in southeastern Massachusetts. Future expansions might connect more communities to Boston’s busy transit hub.

This restoration stands as a major win for public transportation in the Bay State. Riders and leaders alike applaud it, dubbing it a game-changer for connectivity.

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