MBTA Allocates $35.3M for South Coast Rail in Five-Year Spending Plan
The MBTA has unveiled a proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2027–2031 totaling about $10 billion in spending. Approximately $35.3 million is being set aside for South Coast…
Photo: MBTA/MassDOT
The MBTA has unveiled a proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2027–2031 totaling about $10 billion in spending.
Approximately $35.3 million is being set aside for South Coast Rail projects, including track work, Regional Rail expansion, and noise mitigation.
Learn more about what's contained in the CIP.
What Is the CIP?
The CIP is a rolling five-year plan spanning multiple MBTA modes (subway, buses, ferries, and paratransit) and is published as a 121-page document on the MBTA website. The public can comment on the CIP online until April 16 using its online comment form or by email.
What's Included for the South Coast Rail?
- Approximately $12 million is earmarked to extend the Regional Rail service to the South Coast Rail area. This earmark aims to provide more consistent all-day service with quieter, cleaner electric trains, offering service every 30 minutes to an hour outside the Route 128 corridor.
- About $9.8 million is designated for track improvements to enable hourly, all-day bi-directional service on the Greenbush and Fall River/New Bedford lines, with double-tracking near Middleborough Station.
- Nearly $6.8 million will assess noise along the South Coast Rail route and, where appropriate, fund noise mitigation for residents near the rail lines.
- Close to $6.7 million is allocated to purchase 16 additional train coaches to support expanded South Coast Rail service.
According to a report by The Herald News, funding for the CIP comes from a mix of federal and state sources. These funds include money from the Fair Share Amendment, which imposes a 4% surtax on incomes over $1 million. Fair Share money can only be used for education and transportation.
