South Coast Rail Delays Persist Amid Teacher Meetings Commuters along Massachusetts’ South Coast face continued delays on the South Coast Rail line, while teachers gather for meetings amidst the ongoing contract dispute with local school districts. South Coast Rail Delays The $3.6 billion South Coast Rail project, which aims to connect Boston to Fall River and New Bedford, has been plagued by delays since its inception. The first phase of the line, from Boston to Stoughton, was scheduled to open in 2023 but has now been pushed back to 2025. Recent updates from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) indicate that ongoing issues with the signal system and software are causing significant delays. Commuters have reported wait times of up to 45 minutes, leading to frustration and uncertainty. MassDOT officials have apologized for the inconvenience and are working to expedite repairs. However, they have not provided a specific timeline for when the delays will be resolved. Teacher Meetings Simultaneously, teachers in school districts along the South Coast are holding meetings to discuss the ongoing contract dispute. Teachers in Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton have all voted to authorize strikes if an agreement cannot be reached. The main issues at the heart of the dispute are salaries, healthcare benefits, and working conditions. Teachers are seeking competitive pay commensurate with their experience and the rising cost of living. They are also advocating for health insurance plans that do not increase their financial burden. Negotiations between teachers and school districts have been ongoing for months without a resolution. School officials have cited budget constraints as the primary reason for their inability to meet teacher demands. However, teachers contend that the districts have the resources to invest in their educators and provide a quality education for students. The teacher meetings will continue over the next few days, and a strike could be called as early as the end of the week. If a strike occurs, it will further disrupt the already challenging commute for South Coast residents. The combination of South Coast Rail delays and teacher meetings has created a difficult situation for commuters and parents alike. Residents are urged to plan for alternative transportation options or work arrangements, while school district officials and teachers work towards a resolution.
As we start a new week, let’s take a look back at the week that was.
As we start a new week, let’s take a look back at the week that was.
Top stories from the past week included:
Peter Holt follows in his father’s footsteps with his daughter Kayleigh after finding the WWII veteran’s tour of duty card. They use the map to plan a very special trip to Europe.
Meet the newest member of the Fall River Fire Department: Sophie Marie, their six-month-old comfort dog in training.
The School Department formally dedicated a new playground on the Doran school grounds, named the Alfredo P. Alves Playground, with a new plaque honoring the Fall River councilman, prominent restaurateur, businessman and philanthropist.
The Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala in the Diocese of Fall River is back for the second time and this time it takes on extra special meaning.
Swansea native Chris Geagon has progressed to the next round on MasterChef.
Here were the most-read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com:
The start of South Coast Rail will be postponed for another year
Locals will have to wait longer before they can climb aboard the South Coast Rail.
At a public meeting hosted by the MBTA at Bristol Community College on Thursday, general manager Phillip Eng unveiled a revised timetable for the South Coast Rail service to finally accept passengers: May 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about the delays, ticket prices and what the MBTA says about weekend service.
‘MBTA owes this region an apology’: The start of South Coast Rail will be postponed for another year
Fall River’s superintendent’s term ends as teachers say low pay leads to shortages
Superintendent Maria Pontes attended the last school committee meeting of her career on Monday, but while her work is coming to an end, the school district has its hands full.
Monday’s meeting came days after a controversial superintendent selection process saw a board member resign in disgust.
And Monday’s meeting was preceded by a rally outside the BMC Durfee High School auditorium, where about 200 union teachers and staff held up signs demanding a new contract.
The teacher’s contract expires in August, and among their demands for the new contract they are looking for competitive wages, better leave benefits and safer working conditions.
Teachers gather before the meeting: Fall River’s superintendent’s term ends as teachers say low pay leads to shortages
Fall River police say new lock boxes hold the key to keeping the elderly and disabled safe
When the elderly or disabled experience a medical crisis, their own closed door is often the only thing separating them from life-saving help.
The Fall River Police Department is participating in a regional program that includes Sgt.++Ricardo Mourato of the Bristol Police Department led the charge across Rhode Island to make it easy for first responders to access homes in an emergency–and that’s as easy as entrusting police with a spare key.
Herald News Digital Producer Dan Medeiros has the story.
Free program: Fall River police say new lock boxes hold the key to keeping the elderly and disabled safe
Food festivals return to Greater Fall River. Look what’s going to happen this summer.
Hungry for the different flavors of summer?
No problem, because it’s food festival season.
