South Coast Rail: Is It the Game-Changer We Hoped For?

Today was a monumental day for New Bedford and Fall River as the South Coast Rail officially began train service from Church Street, the Whale Tooth's parking lot in downtown New Bedford, and Fall River – marking the first time in 67 years that commuter trains have connected these cities to Boston.

The MGM Show had the honor of being among the first passengers, riding to Boston and back – all before 10 a.m. – while broadcasting live from the train.

The ride itself took about 90 minutes on average, and every stop ran like clockwork. If the schedule said the train was leaving at a certain time, it wasn’t waiting a minute longer.

Get our free mobile app

So the burning question that everyone and their mother has been asking: is South Coast Rail worth it after what felt like a lifetime of waiting?

Is South Coast Rail Worth It? Absolutely

I’ll admit, I had never been on a train before, so I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth the ride was. We could have easily played a game of Jenga without the interruption of potholes or stop-and-go traffic.

And that’s exactly the point: the traffic.

I avoid driving to Boston like the plague for that reason alone. I simply don’t have the patience, and I envy those who make that commute every day.

Another Major Plus for South Coast Rail: Safety

There’s something reassuring about not having to worry about oncoming traffic, distracted drivers, or the general dangers of navigating Route 24 and I-93.

Plus, the train ride gives you plenty of time to get work done (hello, free Wi-Fi), catch up on emails, or binge your favorite Netflix show.

At $24.50 for a round trip ($12.25 each way), I’d say it’s worth every penny, especially for someone like me, who will definitely be using it for sporting events and concerts.

Just think, you don’t have to deal with outrageous parking garage fees, the nightmare of finding a spot, or the stress of driving in and out of the city. Grab an Uber to the station, hop on the train, and most importantly, if you’ve had an adult beverage or two, you won’t have to worry about getting behind the wheel while returning home.

For all the skeptics and "Negative Nancies" doubting the South Coast Rail, I think I’ve laid out plenty of reasons why this train is a game changer for the SouthCoast and those commuting to and from New Bedford and Fall River.

Bottom line? Yes, it’s worth it.