OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. -- New federal funding has helped the state create a bus service that runs between Middletown and Old Saybrook.

The Mid Shore Express will run five trips back and forth every day during the week. Transit officials said the trip take about 45 minutes and costs $1.25.

"They'll be able to connect to Middletown Area Transit System and to Connecticut Transit Hartford Division," said Joseph Comerford, executive director of the Estuary Transit District.

"As you know, Middletown has tremendous resources, particularly the medical field, social services, etc.," Middletown Public Transportation Committee Chairman Thomas Cheeseman said.

The Estuary Transit District Mid Shore Express is slated to begin running June 1.

"It's going to allow people from Middletown to take the bus for jobs in the shoreline area and provide the opportunity to get to Middletown," said Marie Kalita-Leary, director of the Middletown Downtown Business District.

"We feel we've opened up a whole new world to riders," Estuary Transit District Chairman Richard Carbral said.

Officials also pointed out that once riders arrive in Old Saybrook, they can take a train to Boston or New York.