South Coast Rail is a major feat of engineering and politicking that has taken decades to see through — the long-promised return of passenger rail to Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford. But what began as a promise in 1991 and which will carry riders to Boston in a little under a year is still “incomplete.”  

 

What's opening in spring of 2025 is only Phase 1.

 

South Coast Rail has a second phase, known to the MBTA as the “Full Build.” It promises a faster, more direct, more environmentally friendly trip to Boston with more stations, including one at Fall River’s Battleship Cove — overall, a better product.  

 

It may never happen.

 

Among the skeptics is Jackson Moore-Otto, the regional rail lead at the Boston public transportation advocacy group TransitMatters. 

 

“I think maybe that’s a little bit bold to assume that there will be a Phase 2 without continued advocacy, just to be completely honest about the funding and political picture," he said.

 

Read more from Dan Medeiros at heraldnews.com.