UMass Dartmouth receives $100,000 for shuttle service connecting campus to South Coast Rail

Funding secured by state Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral ‘78 will improve transportation access for students and strengthen connections to New Bedford and Fall River

UMass Dartmouth will add new shuttle routes connecting campus to South Coast Rail commuter stations in New Bedford and Fall River, supported by $100,000 in state funding secured by Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral ’78.

The funding will improve the University’s intercampus and off-campus shuttle service, helping students, faculty, and staff use the MBTA's South Coast Rail service, which began operating in March 2025 and connects the region to Boston.

"Reliable transportation is essential to student success. With the expansion of UMass Dartmouth's intercampus and off-campus shuttle service, this $100,000 will provide students with more reliable transportation and expand opportunity by giving students better access to classes, jobs, and internships while strengthening connections between the university and surrounding communities," said Cabral. "As a UMass Dartmouth alumnus, I'm proud we got this over the finish line, and I thank my colleagues and the UMass Dartmouth team for their partnership in making it happen."

“The University is grateful to Representative Cabral for his leadership and continued commitment to UMass Dartmouth and our students,” said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark A. Fuller, PhD. “This investment will help remove transportation barriers and strengthen our connections to Boston, New Bedford, and Fall River, providing students with greater access to the educational, career, and personal opportunities that are essential to their success.”

By improving connections between campus and regional transportation hubs, the initiative will help address transportation barriers, expand access to higher education, and create new opportunities for students to pursue internships, employment, and other experiences throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Greater Boston.

Additional information about expanded shuttle routes and schedules are available on the UMass Dartmouth website.