JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri transportation officials say ridership on Amtrak passenger trains rose more than 8 percent in September.

The state Transportation Department reports that slightly more than 14,000 people rode Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner trains last month, compared with about 13,000 in September 2010.

The River Runner connects St. Louis and Kansas City, departing twice a day from each city.

Michelle Teel says ridership is up because of high gasoline prices and Amtrak’s reliability in Missouri. On-time performance running at 90 percent in September.