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Amtrak’s Keystone service between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa., set a ridership record of 1.33 million trips for the fiscal year that ended June 30, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Ridership rose 5 percent compared with FY2010’s 1.27 million trips.

“More people are realizing that taking the train is a great option at a time when our highways are overburdened and gas prices are fluctuating,” said Pennsylvania Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch in a prepared statement.

The Federal Railroad Administration recently announced $24.3 million in federal high-speed rail funds for the Keystone service. The funds will help cover the cost to remove the three remaining grade crossings on the line and upgrade interlockings. The improvements will enable Amtrak Keystone to raise the line’s top speed from 110 mph to 125 mph.