The cost of transportation is a major stressor for our commuter students and giving them a program to save money can sometimes be the difference between coming to class or not.
For Bridgewater State University students commuting on the South Coast Rail, getting to class just got a lot more affordable.
A pilot program is offering BSU students coming from eligible areas, including New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton, 50 percent off MBTA train tickets through spring 2026.
“We are truly excited about the possibilities this pilot program represents. It’s a direct response to what our students told us they need, and it reflects our commitment to removing barriers to higher education,” said Vinny DeMacedo, senior advisor for External Relations, President’s Office.
The idea for the program started when former student trustee E. Rose, ’25, heard from students that their transportation costs for getting to BSU were high.
Rose worked on a plan and brought the issue to the attention of state Sen. Mark Montigny, D-Second Bristol and Plymouth. Together they worked on an appropriation for lowering those costs through a subsidy on students using the South Coast Rail.
“We are grateful to Senator Montigny and proud to partner on a solution that directly responds to students’ needs,” DeMacedo said.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Interim Secretary and General Manager Phillip Eng said there has been an increase in ridership because of the Fall River/New Bedford Line. Weekday ridership is averaging 10,000 riders; a 54 percent increase compared to the original Middleborough Line.
“I’m confident we will see even more growth,” Eng said. “I want to thank Senator Montigny for his advocacy and support and share my gratitude with Bridgewater State University and its leadership for making public transport more affordable and enabling students to try out the train if they haven’t already.”
According to Shelly Keniston, director of Off Campus and Commuter Student Services, 70 percent of BSU students are commuters, including about 1,200 students who use the South Coast Rail.
“The impact of this is huge,” Keniston said. “The cost of transportation is a major stressor for our commuter students and giving them a program to save money can sometimes be the difference between coming to class or not.”
Adrian Orantes, ’29, who lives in New Bedford, chose to come to BSU because of the South Coast Rail.
“I don’t have a license, so have to rely on the train. It was a big factor as to why I came to Bridgewater. Having the train made BSU a viable location and option for me,” he said.
Riding the rails also helps Adrian reclaim some of his time. Instead of worrying about driving as some of his peers do, he can just grab a window seat with a table and get schoolwork done during the commute.
When he heard about the pilot program, Adrian went online and applied for discounted tickets.
“It was an easy process,” he said. “Saving money definitely helps.”
To get discounted tickets, and a list of all eligible towns, students can visit here.
Keniston encourages students to take advantage of the program.
“Leave the traffic behind, save on gas, and ride the rails for half the price,” she said.
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