Boston city officials and state agencies are teaming up to improve transportation services in Boston’s Innovation District.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino along with representatives from MassDOT, the MBTA, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Massport and A Better City today announced the city’s plans to prevent traffic congestion, improve public transit and enhance walking and biking options throughout the Waterfront.

"The Innovation District has become a busy and thriving mix of business, industry, cultural attractions, restaurants and residences," Menino said in a statement. "The steps we are taking today – and planning for the future – to connect it with the rest of Boston will make it even more attractive and accessible to companies, their employees, residents and visitors."

Plans for the area include:

• Creating and enforcing "Don’t Block the Box" areas at the junctions of Seaport Boulevard and Sleeper Street, as well as Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street;

• With the assistance of a $1.28 million US Department of Transportation grant, procuring two ferries and implementing ferry service between South Boston and East Boston. Service is anticipated for a 2014 launch;

• Installing, by the end of November, "Time to Destination" message signs that will provide drivers with accurate information on traffic to allow them to choose alternate routes.

Efforts are also underway to improve public transit serving the Innovation District. The MBTA will assess and improve service in the Innovation District on key commuter bus lines such as the No. 4 and No. 7 within the next year. 

"The solutions being implemented now, and in the near future, will boost our economy and help the Innovation District thrive by maximizing the capacity of key roads and bridges, improving public transit, and providing more biking and walking options," Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey said in a statement.