Officials urge First Night revelers to use public transit

By Sarah N. Mattero, Globe Correspondent

City officials are urging people to use public transportation to attend Monday’s First Night Boston events.

Beverly Scott, the MBTA’s new general manager, noted that parking in the city will be limited during the 12-hour event.

Subway trains will run more frequently throughout the day, and service will be free after 8 p.m. Most transit service will be extended until at least 2 a.m. so revelers can get home, Scott said.

“If we see you, we are not going to leave you,” she said in a news conference at the Prudential Center.

Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis also encouraged public transit use. He noted that the evening’s Grand Procession parade will block off portions of Boylston, Charles, and Beacon streets.

Davis also suggested that eventgoers designate a meeting place and exchange phone numbers in case people get separated. He said Boston police would have an increased presence and public drinking would not be tolerated.

Three first aid stations, located at Hynes Convention Center, the Boston Common, and on the waterfront, will also double as lost child stations, said Boston EMS Chief James Houley. Paramedics will be located throughout the city and along the parade route.

All First Night outdoor events are free. To get into indoor events, people must buy a First Night button for $18. The buttons are sold at many Boston-area supermarkets and convenience stores. All children under 4 are free.