Bridgewater State Students Get Discounted South Coast Rail Fares

A new state pilot program will allow BSU students living along the South Coast Rail line to access reduced commuter rail fares.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A new state pilot program will allow Bridgewater State University students who live along the South Coast Rail line to access discounted commuter rail fares. The program, championed by Senator Mark Montigny and BSU Student Trustee Emily Rose, will provide a 50% fare reduction for eligible students from towns along the rail corridor, including New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton.

Why it matters

The discounted fares are aimed at making college more affordable for students in the region, particularly as concerns persist about the general lack of affordability across higher education and transportation costs. The program integrates with ongoing efforts to make state college and community college more accessible.

The details

The pilot program legislation was initiated when BSU Student Trustee Emily Rose contacted Senator Montigny, who had championed the creation of South Coast Rail. Montigny secured $50,000 in the state's FY2026 budget to fund the 50% fare reduction for eligible students, though the program initially hit a snag due to fiscal uncertainty before being approved to move forward. Bridgewater State University has now launched the discounted fare program for students.

  • The South Coast Rail service connecting New Bedford to Boston launched in March 2025, with a stop on the BSU campus.
  • In late 2024, BSU Student Trustee Emily Rose contacted Senator Montigny about creating a discounted fare program for students.
  • Montigny secured $50,000 in the FY2026 state budget to fund the 50% fare reduction, though the program initially faced delays before being approved.

The players

Senator Mark Montigny

A Democratic state senator representing New Bedford who championed the creation of the South Coast Rail and the new discounted fare program for BSU students.

Emily Rose

The Bridgewater State University student trustee who initiated the proposal for discounted South Coast Rail fares for BSU students.

Bridgewater State University

The public university that has launched the discounted fare program for its students living along the South Coast Rail corridor.

South Coast Rail

The commuter rail line connecting New Bedford to Boston, which launched service in March 2025 with a stop on the BSU campus.

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What they’re saying

“Bridgewater has been doing a tremendous job providing a high quality, affordable education to residents throughout Greater New Bedford, especially as deep concerns persist about the general lack of affordability across higher education and transportation.”

— Senator Mark Montigny (wbsm.com)

“Opening greater access to South Coast Rail integrates seamlessly with our ongoing efforts to make state college and community college tuition much more affordable for my constituents.”

— Senator Mark Montigny (wbsm.com)

What’s next

Bridgewater State University has now launched the discounted fare program for eligible students living along the South Coast Rail corridor.

The takeaway

This new pilot program aims to make college more accessible for students in the region by providing discounted commuter rail fares, addressing concerns about the affordability of both higher education and transportation costs.