MIDDLEBORO — The new Middleboro train station is officially on track as part of the newly launched South Coast Rail.

The Middleboro Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) station opened Monday, March 24, serving as a stop on the service extension to New Bedford and Fall River.

“We are happy the commuter rail is open and look forward to the economic opportunities that it will bring Middleboro,’’ Middleboro Town Manager Jay McGrail said.

This brings passenger rail to southeastern Massachusetts for the first time in more than 65 years. The issue has been in the discussion and planning stages for more than three decades.

To complete the project, the MBTA reconstructed more than 17 miles of the New Bedford Main Line and nearly 12 miles of the Fall River secondary line.

With the new Middleboro station open at 52 West Grove St., the station at 125 Commercial Drive in Lakeville has been renamed and its mission has changed.

Once referred to as the Middleboro/Lakeville station, the station will now be known as Lakeville station and will no longer serve as a commuter rail. 

The Lakeville station will serve only the seasonal Cape Flyer, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day from South Station to Hyannis. The train makes stops in Braintree,  Brockton, Lakeville, Wareham Village, Buzzards Bay, and Bourne.

The opening of SouthCoast rail met with praise from local representatives.

“I am excited for the extension of the commuter rail system to New Bedford and Fall River and the connection it provides within our  South Coast communities,’’ State Rep. Norman Orrall said. 

State Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues praised the convenience of the new service. “Next time you have to drive to Boston, and worry about parking, take the train instead.’’

The new service means that “Boston and the South Coast are now more connected than ever, fostering economic growth and paving the way for a greener, more integrated future,’’ U.S. Rep. Bill Keating said.

The train will improve access, U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss said, “both for Fall River and Taunton residents commuting north, and for Greater Boston residents who want to work, shop, or dine in Southeastern Massachusetts.” 

Information on schedules, pricing and safety advice can be found at mbta.com.