For the first time in 65 years, Taunton, Freetown, and New Bedford will have passenger rail service to downtown Boston, starting on March 24.  The South Coast Rail project has been years in the making.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has released the initial schedule for the South Coast Rail service to New Bedford and Fall River, Mass., set to begin on March 24. The debut of the new operation will feature free weekend travel and free parking through the end of April,

The $1 billion South Coast Rail project will return passenger train service to the area for the first time in 65 years.

For commuters who need to get to rail stations in Fall River and New Bedford, SRTA will unveil an on-demand service, but isn't changing fixed routes.