New Fairmount commuter rail line stations open

Elected officials, representatives from the MBTA, and community advocates joined residents Wednesday afternoon to welcome three new stations to the Fairmount commuter rail line, which services Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

Pictured: Melika and Nathanael Uter, watched as one of the line’s trains sped past the Four Corners/Geneva Avenue Station.

“We all know that reliable public transportation translates into jobs, economic opportunity and a higher quality of life,’’ said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. “I am proud of the tremendous progress we have made in improving the Fairmount Line, but there is more to do to give our residents the 21st century transportation system they deserve.’’

Pictured: Patrick joined Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey, and other transit advocates to cut the ribbon on the new Four Corners/Geneva Avenue Station in Dorchester.

In addition to welcoming three new stations to the line – the Four Corners/Geneva Avenue Station, the Talbot Avenue Station, and the Newmarket Station – officials celebrated the MBTA’s $175-million investment in the rail line, which includes renovations to existing stations and the revamping of track facilities.

Pictured: The Talbot Avenue Station platform

The group also celebrated the lowering of fares on the line and the addition of new trains. The cost of a ride from Fairmount Station in Hyde Park to South Station has been lowered from $5.50 to $2. A trip from Readville in Hyde Park to South Station will, however, remain at $6. The number of daily trips will be increased from 28 to 40.

Pictured: MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey joined by Mattapan City Councilor Charles Yancey and community advocate to cut the ribbon on the Talbot Avenue Station.

Those in attendance hailed the new stations and reduced fares as not only a way to increase ridership but an economic engine for the communities along the line.

“It’s all about jobs,’’ said Sue Sullivan, executive director of the Newmarket Business Association. “All of those companies have jobs and need employees and for those employees to be able to take the train all the way from Hyde Park to Newmarket for a $2 fare, that is important for our businesses. “

Pictured: Sue Sullivan, executive director of the Newmarket Business Association, spoke at the Newmarket Station Wednesday.

“I am proud to say that the MBTA has been working hand in hand with the many dedicated and focused community organizations that serve this area to bring better service to the people and help increase ridership levels that will help maintain the line,’’ said Beverly Scott, general manager of the MBTA. “The years this project has been developing were spent carefully listening, planning and building an integral new piece of this community and I look forward to continuing that important conversation for years to come.’’

Pictured: Officials cut the ribbon on the Newmarket Station Wednesday with a Fairmount Line train passing in the background.