"We can finally say, after 67 years, we have here a South Coast Rail." First commuter rail to bring train travel back to Southeastern Mass. opens

Like all other Commuter Rail trips, the first train Monday morning on the MBTA’s new Fall River/New Bedford line set off with a jolt. But unlike the rest, it was followed by an unfamiliar sound for the early hour: applause.

The MBTA's long-awaited South Coast commuter rail line finally began service Monday. It connects a large part of southeastern Massachusetts with South Station in Boston for the first time in 65 years.