The popularity of the water taxi service that shuttles people throughout attractions on both sides of the Thames River — collectively known as the Thames River Heritage Park — is growing.

The editorial board met recently with Amy Perry, executive director of the Thames River Heritage Park Foundation and Marian Galbraith, president of the nonprofit group.

Supportive of the project from the start — it is now in its third year — the board was glad to learn the 3,459 riders who had utilized the water taxis as of July 22 already surpasses the roughly 2,200 who paid to ride last summer.

While they do not have hard numbers, Galbraith, a frequent rider, said the anecdotal evidence suggests the majority of riders are visiting from outside the area. That means it is helping bring dollars into the local community. This might be the product of the Heritage Park winning a Best of New England Award for historical experience from Yankee Magazine.

It was also interesting to learn that the taxi has become a popular way for residents living on the Groton side of the river to come over to New London for dinner.

The organization should find ways of drilling down and documenting such rider information.

Taxis leave from Fort Trumbull State Park and City Pier in New London, and from Thames River Landing in Groton. During summer, operations go from noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.

A roundtrip is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under and for active military. All-day and all-weekend passes are also available.

The foundation subsists on rider fees, private and corporate donations, fundraisers and an annual $100,000 state subsidy. Its intent is to tie together smaller historic attractions, such as the Custom House Maritime Museum, Hempsted Houses and Shaw Mansion in New London, and Fort Griswold, Ebenezer Avery House and Avery-Copp House in Groton.

Though visits are up, Perry said the foundation wants to get more riders away from the boat and to attractions. The foundation should explore tickets priced to include the ride and attractions.

The Heritage Park is proving it is worth the small state investment. It will only grow in popularity when USS Nautilus and Submarine Force Museum is added as a stop in 2020. Full speed ahead!

The Day editorial board meets with political, business and community leaders to formulate editorial viewpoints. It is composed of President and Publisher Timothy Dwyer, Executive Editor Izaskun E. Larraneta, Owen Poole, copy editor, and Lisa McGinley, retired deputy managing editor. The board operates independently from The Day newsroom.