South Coast Rail scheduled to begin March 24

The MBTA says it is on schedule to begin passenger service to the south coast region of Massachusetts on March 24, marking the first time in 65 years that the region will have rail service.

South Coast Rail extends the Middleborough/Lakeville Commuter Rail line to connect the communities of Taunton, Freetown, New Bedford, Middleborough and Fall River to Boston via six new stations.

Gov. Maura Healey and the MBTA announced that free weekend service and parking will be available this spring to celebrate the opening of South Coast Rail. Free service will be available on weekends from March 29 through April 27, including April 21 (Patriot’s Day).

Free parking will be available at the six South Coast rail station lots from March 24 through the end of day on April 31.