Approximately 100 residents met with leaders at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) last night to express concerns since the launch of South Coast Rail to Fall River and New Bedford ten weeks ago.
Since the service began, residents along a portion of North Main Street in Fall River have complained about late-night noise at the Weaver’s Cove layover station, and the service has been plagued by cancellations of some weekend routes out of Boston.
MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan said the schedule has been running at full capacity since the cancellations during the fourth weekend of service. He also said the authority, working in conjunction with commuter rail operator Keolis, has been monitoring the corridor’s on-time performance.
Shawnay Lariviere lives near the layover station and said, despite mitigation efforts, the noise of the engines and horns late at night is impacting her family’s sleep.
Joe Arruda said the impact of the train is making his home unlivable.
MBTA General Manager Philip Eng says he and his staff are committed to investigating and mitigating the concerns of residents.
Mr. Eng said the authority is exploring efforts like doubling tracks along the corridor and electrifying the service, which could mitigate some of the noise and scheduling issues.
