South Coast Rail Full Build Lacks Funding, Faces Environmental Obstacles

More than 10 years ago, Massachusetts transportation officials shared a plan that would provide fast, electrified passenger train service between the South Coast and Boston. Today, the likelihood that this plan will materialize seems more elusive than ever.

Last year, the South Coast received the MBTA connection it had been promised since the early 1990s. Passengers can now take an approximately 100-minute train ride between New Bedford and Boston, traveling along an extension to the former Middleborough/Lakeville Line. But the South Coast Rail project wasn't supposed to stop here.

According to The New Bedford Light, phase two, the full build, would connect to the Stoughton Line for a shorter, faster ride. However, it faces significantly higher costs and extensive environmental permitting requirements due to protected wetlands. Advocates argue the Stoughton route would double ridership and offer a faster, more climate-friendly service, with electrification and new stops in Easton, Raynham, and Taunton, and service to either Ruggles or Back Bay in Boston.

Public officials have offered limited clarity on timelines or funding for the full build. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's administration has prioritized maintenance and investments in existing infrastructure amid broader fiscal pressures.

“Everything right now is a balance in terms of which investments we make and where,” Healey told The New Bedford Light.

The full build has no funding in the MBTA's current five-year Capital Investment Plan. New Bedford city officials said they also haven't received any information from the state on the second phase of the project.

Key stakeholders driving the effort include former state Rep. Bill Straus, who notes permitting and cost drove the two-phase approach, and State Sen. Mark Montigny.

According to The New Bedford Light, estimated costs for the full build have risen from approximately $3.2 billion in 2017 to as much as $6 to $7 billion today.

Environmental permits also remain a top concern. Since the Stoughton route would pass through the Hockomock Swamp and other wetlands, gaining approval for the build is unlikely. Straus believes the Stoughton route will never pass environmental review.

Montigny, however, is still holding out hope for the completion of the full build. “I think it potentially can happen, eventually,” he said. “I certainly can hope.”