MBTA Unveils South Coast Rail Line in $1.1B Project

MBTA Launches Historic South Coast Rail Line. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The MBTA launches the South Coast Rail line Monday, connecting South Coast towns to Boston. Trains now serve New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton daily.

South Coast Rail Line Stations Shine

Ryan Coholan, MBTA’s Chief Operating Officer, toured East Taunton station last Friday with pride. Its sleek design boasts two entrances and sparkles in the afternoon sun.

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Just two years ago, trees dominated this area with one freight track running through. Now, Coholan fulfills his childhood vision by launching this commuter route.

The agency diligently trained crews and tested trains for weeks before Monday’s debut. Conductors learned every switch, signal, and curve on the new route thoroughly.

This project features six stations along the Fall River and New Bedford corridor. Trains depart every 70 minutes weekdays and every two hours on weekends.

Fall River locals like Enrique Montero eagerly await easier trips to Boston soon. He appreciates the rail because it unlocks job prospects in the city.

Likewise, resident Caleb Magaw expects a quicker, smoother commute with this upgrade. But, he needs to save $12.25 for fares before switching from buses.

Fares to Boston cost $12.25 one way, though seniors pay $6 per trip. Meanwhile, Southeastern Regional Transit Authority offers free buses via a grant.

SRTA Administrator Erik Rousseau forecasts 4 million rides this year, doubling past figures. His team aims to link bus users to the rail efficiently.

Starting April, SRTA rolls out an app-based ride service to stations for convenience. This system mimics Uber and Lyft, ensuring seamless last-mile travel.

South Coast Rail Line Boosts Region

Rousseau plans to analyze rider data and possibly expand bus routes later. Meanwhile, MBTA tracks how this rail reshapes regional travel patterns.

General Manager Phil Eng provides free weekend fares and parking until April ends. This move thanks riders and invites new ones to try the route.

Governor Healey announces free rides for the rail’s first week, starting Monday. Thus, MBTA encourages everyone to experience this transformative transit option.

At East Taunton station, Coholan grins as a train horn blasts nearby loudly. He intends to bring his doubtful father on the first ride Monday.

They’ll board in New Bedford at 4:30 a.m. for the inaugural trip together. Coholan hopes this convinces his dad of the project’s worth.

This launch ends a 40-year quest to reconnect South Coast communities effectively. And MBTA strides boldly into a new chapter of transit innovation.

Source: www.wbur.org

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