The South Coast Rail service in southeastern Massachusetts, which opened this spring, has reconnected the cities of Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton to Boston by commuter rail for the first time in 65 years. This development is expected to bring benefits in tourism, jobs, and business.

On Wednesday, Susan M. Collins, President and CEO of the Boston Fed, along with Karen Pennell, First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, traveled on this new rail line to Fall River. During her visit, Collins shared her insights on the economy and discussed how transportation impacts economic vitality.

In Plymouth, Collins visited a community college that trains students for careers in aviation maintenance. She also met with local leaders to discuss the economic conditions on the South Coast and Cape Cod.

The journey from concept to reality for the South Coast Rail extension took over three decades. Now it offers a 90-minute train ride between Fall River and Boston. Collins and Pennell were accompanied by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority officials like Chief Railroad Officer Mike Rooks during their trip.

Rooks noted that the South Coast line exemplifies how MBTA has adapted post-COVID-19 by shifting to an “all-day service pattern” catering to hybrid workers and leisure travelers. “This is the perfect time to try something bold and try something different,” he said.

Collins participated in discussions with business leaders in New Bedford and Barnstable about excitement surrounding the new rail line. Liz Berube from Citizens for Citizens expressed her delight at its operation: “I never thought that would happen.” Charlie Fellows of Lafrance Hospitality anticipates New Bedford becoming similar to Portland, Maine due to its potential appeal to artists.

Concerns about affordable housing were raised during these discussions as well. Mike Goodman from UMass Dartmouth highlighted regional challenges: "Even with progress... we’re barely keeping pace with current population growth."

In Plymouth's Cape Cod Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program visitations included cockpit experiences for Collins and Pennell while learning about student training efforts there. Graduates can earn substantial salaries soon after completing their studies according to program officials; Andrew Bonney from Cape Air emphasized safety importance within aviation maintenance education: “Aviation maintenance is an incredibly safety sensitive field.”

Collins praised collaborative efforts involved within such programs stating transportation’s significance towards inclusive economies: “Transportation is critical to an economy that works for everyone.”

For further information or inquiries regarding this event or related topics please contact Maureen Heydt via email at maureen.heydt@bos.frb.org

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