South Coast Rail Proposal Could Bode Well for Buzzards Bay Commuter Rail

A map of the two South Coast rail proposals. Photo credit: Mass DOT

BUZZARDS BAY – Local transportation officials are expressing optimism that the long-proposed commuter rail extension to Buzzards Bay could someday move forward, but state officials are first focusing on extending service to New Bedford and Fall River after years of discussion.

The state is currently looking at two proposals to provide commuter rail service to the South Coast. The first would extend the Middleboro/Lakeville line to New Bedford and Fall River and the second would construct new track south from Stoughton.

Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority Administrator Tom Cahir is advocating for the first option, believing that more activity on the Middleboro line could make state officials more amenable to running trains to Buzzards Bay. Track is already in place between Bourne and Middleboro.

“It’s far from done or a given yet but that proposal is being considered right now by the administration,” Cahir said.  

The possibility of bringing MBTA service has long been considered by local officials. Proponents argue train service could help restore some economic viability to the village, which has been hit hard since the opening of Route 25 in the late-1980’s and the construction of the Main Street bypass.

“I always felt that if we had trains going down there we could encourage people to come down, spend money, and improve the economics of the community,” said Cahir, who previously represented Bourne in the state legislature.

The public comment period on both South Coast rail proposals expires April 28.