MBTA expands free service for launch of South Coast Rail

MBTA expands free service for launch of South Coast Rail

By Trains Staff | March 21, 2025

| Last updated on August 6, 2025


Weekday service to be fare free March 24-31, joining free weekend travel through April

Map of rail lines in southeastern Massachusetts
The MBTA’s South Coast Rail extension — represented by the dotted lines on the map — will offer free weekday travel May 24-31. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

<hrL

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s South Coast Rail service, scheduled to launch on Monday, March 24, will offer free weekday service through March 31, the MBTA has announced.

The free weekday trial period is in addition to previously announced free weekend service through the end of April [see “Schedule released …,” Trains News Wire, March 4, 2025]. Like the weekend service, the free weekday rides will be good for trips originating or ending at the six new South Coast Rail stations: Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Church Street, Fall River Depot, and New Bedford. Parking will also be free at those stations March 24-April 30, although that promotion may end if lots fill up and spaces become unavailable.

“The MBTA is proud to launch South Coast Rail service; a truly monumental moment for these communities that we will now serve directly and for so many that have long advocated for this service,” MBTA CEO Phillip Eng said in a press release. “… we welcome new and even more passengers to experience the benefits of this new transit expansion.”

Ticket sales for South Coast Rail service began Thursday, March 20, on the MBTA’s mTicket app, with tickets good for up to 90 days after purchase. More information is available here.

Share this article