New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“In an effort to assist the commuters of New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton who will soon lose daily commuter service in and out of Boston, Peter Pan Bus Lines will offer round-trip commuter service from Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton commencing on Tuesday, April 18th.
We are guardedly optimistic that adding a stop in Fall River prior to departing New Bedford and operating service to Logan Airport may assist in adding revenue to a commuter service that cannot currently support itself.
To better outline our plan, I have added a proposed schedule product in an attachment and added the pertinent
highlights in bullet points below:
➢ Service will commence on Tuesday, April 18th. 2023
➢ Peter Pan will commit to running one morning departure and one afternoon departure M-F
➢ Peter Pan will service Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton (Silver City Galleria) utilizing the current pick
up and drop off.
➢ Peter Pan’s service will not stop or depart from Copley Plaza but will service South Station and continue on to Logan airport offering new bus service to the residents of New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton.
➢ Peter Pan cannot honor tickets purchased in advance from the previous vendor.
➢ Peter Pan will initially “honor” the current vendor’s fare structure, but fares may be subject to change in
the future.
➢ Peter Pan will develop separate pricing for the new Logan Service that will be in line with our pricing from
locations currently served by Peter Pan.
➢ Ticketing is predominantly via the web (peterpanbus.com) or on our Peter Pan Bus mobile app., however tickets and commuter passes will also be available at our Boston South Station ticket counter. Passengers can contact Customer Care at 800-343-999 for travel questions and assistance.
The one loose end that we may need help with is fostering a relationship with the Silver City Galleria in Taunton. We currently service New Bedford and Fall River however we have no relationship with the Silver City Galleria.
Safe travels,
Frank Dougherty
C.O.O.
Peter Pan bus lines.”
Peter Pan Bud Lines photo.
In a letter to Senator Mark Montigny said,
“Dear Secretary Fiandaca:
It has come to my attention that as of April 16th residents across the Southcoast will no longer have commuter bus service to Boston. Over the weekend, DATTCO blindsided customers with its decision to cease operations without providing a clear policy to issue refunds to monthly or 10-ride pass riders, nor did it provide an opportunity for an alternative public transit option to develop. This is not acceptable. MassDOT must take immediate action to ensure accountability and that riders maintain an affordable transportation option to and from Boston.
For years, my constituents have relied on bus service to Boston in the absence of commuter rail. As the leader of the New Bedford legislative delegation, I can attest to the decades and immense political capital required to finally bring rail service to New Bedford. While the administration has assured us that the Southcoast Rail project remains on schedule, it will not serve Greater New Bedford residents until next year. In the meantime, residents are left with zero public transit options to travel to work, school, and many other activities vital toward their economic security and wellbeing.
DATTCO’s abrupt decision displayed significant callousness toward consumers, and now the Commonwealth must ensure that riders are made whole. The company must refund every single unused ticket purchased by riders. Furthermore, DATTCO must delay its ending date until such time that the Department can arrange for an alternative service to New Bedford and the Southcoast region.
Finally, I implore your agency to leverage all resources at its disposal to initiate an alternative transit option for residents. Too often, our region has been neglected at the expense of hardworking taxpayers. This inequity cannot be allowed to persist, and we must work together to find a solution for these riders. I respectfully request that your agency give this matter your utmost attention.”
