Shore Line East posted record ridership in July

Ridership on the Shore Line East commuter-rail line between New Haven and New London, Conn., set a new ridership record in July at 63,959 passenger trips.

Ridership increased 5 percent from June's level, which can be attributed in part to a special service implemented for a sailing festival held during July, Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) officials said in a press release.

Through 2014's first seven months, the line registered 382,716 rides compared with 375,524 in the same 2013 period.

"It's clear that residents, whether commuters going to work or tourists visiting historic shoreline sites, are taking advantage of this service," said Malloy. "Investments in public transportation not only mean more convenience and reduced congestion, they also pay dividends throughout the local and regional economy."

Shore Line East operates 34 weekday trains and 21 weekend and holiday trains between New Haven and New London, as well as four "through trains" to and from Stamford each weekday. Amtrak operates the Shore Line East on behalf of ConnDOT.