MBTA trains, buses free after 9:30 p.m. on July 4

MBTA trains, buses, ferries, and other services will be free after 9:30 p.m. on July 4 again this year, as the city prepares to accommodate more than a million people expected to attend holiday festivities, the T said Monday.

The T will also have increased staff and Transit Police working on the Fourth, with "enhanced security measures" in place, the MBTA said in a statement.

Travelers should use public transportation rather than driving if they are headed to the fireworks display on the Esplanade other other Boston events, and should plan their trips in advance and be aware of holiday service schedules, the T said.

On the Fourth, the Green, Orange, Red, and Blue lines will run on modified Saturday schedules until 3 p.m., and then regular weekday schedules, the T said. Buses and the Silver Line will run on Sunday schedules. The commuter rail will operate on its weekday schedule, with the night's final trains held for 30 minutes after the fireworks end on the Esplanade.

MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng saidthe MBTA is committed to its role serving communities and ensuring that people can "rely on public transportation for work, family, friends, and play."

"Our dedicated workforce takes great pride in planning and preparing so on these special days we can deliver the level of enhanced service and safety measures that our riders deserve and expect getting everyone to their destinations safely," Eng said in the statement. "We hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July."

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