Shore Line East, the commuter rail line running from New London along Connecticut’s coast, hit a record high ridership in September.

The state Department of Transportation said Wednesday there were 1,509 average daily riders, an increase in ridership over the recent average of 1,200 daily rides.

The DOT said the recently added express service to Bridgeport and Stamford and the opening of the State Street Station in New Haven, were the main reasons for the increase.

Shore Line Express train service was begun in December 2001 and expanded in June 2002. It provides services from Shore Line East stations to New Haven and through to Bridgeport and Stamford without commuters having to change trains.

–Associated Press