Grace Ferguson

Boston, New Bedford

Reporter at New Bedford Light

Reporter for @NewBedfordLight

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Articles

Lawmakers want answers on South Coast Rail disruptions

2 weeks ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

A state Senate committee has opened an inquiry into delayed and cancelled trains on the new South Coast Rail line. Disruptions have frustrated riders since the MBTA extension opened on March 24, including several canceled trains the weekend of April 19-20. Keolis, the company that runs commuter trains under a contract with the MBTA, has said it cancelled trains because it doesn’t have enough staff trained on the new tracks. Some riders say they were stranded for hours.
In Trump’s first 100 days, Mass. AG sues his administration 14 times

2 weeks ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell says her strategy to block Donald Trump’s agenda is working. Campbell has sued the Trump administration 14 times in the first 100 days of the president’s second term, teaming up with other Democratic attorneys general around the country. During a call with reporters on Friday, Campbell said her office has “delivered real wins for Massachusetts” by securing injunctions and restraining orders to stop the president’s policies from going into effect.
City awards $110,000 grant despite risk assessment’s warning

1 month ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

Water was pouring into the William H. Carney Lodge — enough to fill a barrel during some storms. This little clubhouse in New Bedford’s West End was a gathering place for the city’s Cape Verdean community for decades. But it’s been empty since 2020, and two years ago the displaced club’s members started pleading with the city for funding to replace the leaking roof so they could move back in. Without it, they said, the water damage threatened to compromise the structure beyond repair.
Why the Mass. AG has sued Trump 9 times

1 month ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

She pledged to fight President Donald Trump if he broke the law. Then, she moved to the part of Massachusetts where Trump enjoys the most support. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has sued the Trump administration nine times since moving to the South Coast a few months ago. Her office has led or joined lawsuits targeting Trump’s plan to slash federal programs. She has also denounced Trump’s immigration crackdown and his attacks on diversity initiatives.
Rail returns to New Bedford - The New Bedford Light

1 month ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

Believe it. Dozens of people saw the first MBTA commuter rail train pull into New Bedford Station just before 4:27 a.m. on Monday. They heard the conductor shout “all aboard!”South Coast Rail isn’t a project anymore — it’s a real commuter rail line you can ride. “I thought this day would never come,” said Rick Platt, a conductor on the 7:25 a.m. train leaving New Bedford Station. It only started to feel real to him when crews began training a few weeks ago.
Gov. Healey, mayor, VIPs celebrate South Coast Rail’s launch

1 month ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

New Bedford Station swarmed with local leaders celebrating the start of South Coast Rail service on Monday morning. They smiled and shook hands, hugged and huddled under umbrellas. Even the frigid rain didn’t dampen their sense of triumph. Officials lined up behind a microphone that malfunctioned through the entire ceremony, but the leaders spoke over the squeaky sound feedback to commemorate this decades-delayed project. “This is about persistence,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.
South Coast Rail ready to roll out of New Bedford on Monday

1 month ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

For the first time ever, MBTA commuter rail trains will start carrying passengers on South Coast Rail this Monday. The first train is scheduled to leave New Bedford Station at 4:27 a.m., stopping at Church Street Station at 4:33 a.m. and arriving at Boston’s South Station at 6:01 a.m. Later on Monday morning, state and local officials will board special trains from New Bedford and Fall River, meeting in East Taunton for a kickoff celebration at 10 a.m. Lt. Gov.
Once you get to South Station, Boston is your oyster

1 month ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

You’ve just arrived at South Station after a smooth, 95-minute ride on the MBTA’s new Fall River/New Bedford line. You made it to Boston — the state’s capital city, the home of legendary sports teams, the cradle of the American Revolution, a bustling hub of arts and culture. Now what? South Station will be your gateway to the city when South Coast Rail starts up on March 24.
How to get to the South Coast Rail stations in New Bedford

1 month ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

When South Coast Rail starts up on March 24, MBTA commuter rail trains will roll into two new stations in New Bedford. This guide will show you how to get to them, no matter how you decide to travel. New Bedford Station is northeast of downtown, sharing a parking lot with the Seastreak Ferry. Church Street Station is in the North End, southeast of Kings Highway. The most pedestrian-friendly route to New Bedford Station is the brand-new pedestrian bridge from Purchase Street.
What's an MBTA shuttle train?

2 months ago | newbedfordlight.org | Grace Ferguson

Shuttle trains will be an essential part of South Coast Rail service when the project launches on March 24. These trains will only run between stations south of East Taunton Station. Some shuttles will go between Taunton and Fall River, while others go between Taunton and New Bedford. Here’s a breakdown of how they work. Shuttle trains allow the MBTA to add more service along the two new branches without adding more traffic north of East Taunton Station.