Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provided an update on the progress of the South Coast Rail project, including a new milestone reached that brings the project closer to completion.

The project, which spans across six stations, will start running test trains June 17. When complete, the project will restore rail service between Boston and the South Coast for the first time in over 70 years.

Update from MBTA’s GM/CEO

The MBTA and its GM/CEO Phillip Eng hosted two public meetings to update residents on the South Coast Rail project.

“The MBTA is deeply committed to delivering the South Coast Rail project while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety before launching passenger service,” said Eng. “We recognize this project is especially important for the Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton communities, and the surrounding region. Through testing and quality control measures, we are dedicated to providing the public with a reliable and dependable railroad system they can count on.”

After a review of the project, Eng determined new project leadership was needed to ensure the success and safety of the project.

The timeline adjustment to spring 2025 for passengers allows for more resources and attention to make South Coast Rail reliable on the first day of service and beyond.

Nationally, these projects are highly specialized and complex, requiring specific expertise, with the system testing phase being one of the most challenging aspects to ensure seamless integration of all components.

Construction and Equipment

Four locomotives have undergone a comprehensive overhaul and are now prepared to provide the necessary pulling power to operate the trains efficiently.

Additionally, 16 modern bi-level coaches have been specifically acquired to serve passengers on South Coast Rail. Bi-level coaches offer increased passenger capacity with comfortable seating arrangements on two levels, ideal for commuter routes.

Four stations are now complete and two stations are nearing completion.

MBTA’s South Coast Project

Following the successful completion of Automatic Train Control (ATC) testing and the transfer of dispatch to Keolis, the South Coast Rail project will progress to Positive Train Control (PTC) system testing. This federally mandated testing will begin in August and continue through January.

Once all components — stations, layover facilities, tracks, ATC, and the PTC system — are built, tested, and approved, the project will move to the final phase of “New Start” implementation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This phase involves certifying train operators, final inspections, and running demonstration services without passengers.

The timeline for this final stage depends on the FRA’s review and requirements. The intensive, multi-phased process designed specifically for first-time rail activation projects to achieve compliance with Federal regulations governing the movements of passenger trains over new territory ensures railroad operators meet the prescribed regulatory standards prior to the commencement of new commuter rail service.

The “New Start” process is comprised of many key components, including the requirement to implement a System Safety Program, a rigorous qualification program for personnel who will be engaged in the operations of the railroad, adherence to industry design and construction standards, and a comprehensive safety certification process all completed and approved prior to the start of passenger service.

Additionally, a robust Quality Assurance and Quality Control program will be implemented to ensure operations run smoothly.

As the South Coast Rail project advances through the “New Start” process, the MBTA will continue to prioritize safety and quality in the development of this new rail system, working diligently to meet the regulatory requirements set forth by the FRA.

The successful completion of the “New Start” process is a critical step in bringing the South Coast Rail project to fruition and providing improved transportation options for the communities of the South Coast region.

The testing phase will involve a comprehensive array of safety measures, including track testing, signaling system testing, integration testing, and safety inspections. During this time, residents may notice increased train activity along the South Coast Rail corridor.

The MBTA trains will not carry passengers and are being operated solely for testing and training purposes. They will reach speeds of up to 79 miles per hour, up from the current 30 miles per hour limit for freight trains. This certification was completed through a rigorous safety process put in place by the MBTA and approved by the FRA.

With the track safety certification in place, the focus has shifted to testing the signal system. Initial testing was conducted at slow speeds of 25 miles per hour, and the results have been successful.

The next phase involves testing the railroad crossings, ensuring that the gates function properly within the guidelines set by federal regulators. These tests will be conducted at multiple speeds, in both directions, and on all routes.