This fall it was announced that the return of commuter rail service in Fall River as part of SouthCoast Rail will be delayed until the Summer of 2024. This week’s edition of FRCMedia News delves into why the project was delayed and the optimism that still surrounds the project.
SouthCoast Rail Project Director Jean Fox says as construction and testing progressed through the summer and fall, it became apparent that the original launch of service late this year would not become a reality.
Even though the Fall River branch of SouthCoast Rail was substantially complete earlier this year, construction persists in New Bedford and East Taunton.
Meanwhile Ms. Fox continues along with her outreach campaign to warn local residents that it is unsafe to utilize the land in and around the tracks even though service has not yet begun.
Even though the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), which oversees SouthCoast Rail, has been the focus of intense scrutiny over mismanagement and financial shortfalls, those concerns should not impact the opening of service next year.
Ms. Fox says she still hears from local residents questioning work being done on the tracks along the route…but she is looking forward to the day when the region celebrates the return of rail service to the SouthCoast.
Ms. Fox says the official rail schedule and fee structure are still being developed and should be available this spring.
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