FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — Starting Monday morning, the MBTA will be welcoming customers for the first time on the new Fall River–New Bedford Commuter Rail Line. It’s the region’s first passenger train service in 65 years. Weekday schedules include 15 direct trips on the Fall River Line a nd 17 on the New Bedford Line, totaling 32 daily trips to and from South Station. On weekends, there will be 26 trips, with trains running every 70 minutes on weekdays and every two hours on weekends. The Middleborough-Lakeville Line is being renamed the Fall River-New Bedford Commuter Rail. “They can go up there, visit a show, go to a restaurant or a sporting event and come home,” said Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan. “We welcome the connection to Boston, believe me.” Middleborough-Lakeville Station will now be Lakeville Station, serving only the seasonal CapeFLYER. The new Middleborough Station will handle Commuter Rail traffic. All South Coast Rail stations will be in Zone 8, with fares set at $12.25 full price and $6 reduced. To encourage ridership, passengers can ride for free on weekdays through March 31. Ridership and parking will remain free on weekends at all six South Coast Rail stations through the end of April. To see more details on the schedule, click here. Categories: Fall River, Massachusetts, New Bedford, News ...read more read less