The New Haven rail commuter line operated by Metro-North Railroad to New York City set a new U.S. record for busiest rail line in the United States, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Ridership in 2011 hit 38.2 million riders, up 2.6 percent from 2010. Last year bested the previous record, also owned by the New Haven line, set in 2008 with 37.9 million riders, a year that benefitted from the added leap day.
Metro-North operates the line under contract from the Connecticut DOT.
“Increased ridership can be attributed to many factors – from the economy to simple convenience – but I like to think it’s also because of our increased investments in new rail cars and better, more comfortable and more reliable service,” said James P. Redeker, state DOT commissioner, in a press release.
