BOSTON -- Boston-area commuters who ride MBTA boats will now have access to wireless service while they're on board.

MBTA commuter boats are now providing customers with free connections to the Internet using laptops or other web-enabled devices. Eleven vessels are equipped with Wi-Fi capability, the MBTA said Tuesday.

Approximately 4,500 daily customers travel on the MBTA’s Commuter Boat services from Quincy and Hull to Long Wharf and Logan, Hingham to Rowes Wharf, and Inner Harbor Service from Long Wharf to Charlestown, according to the MBTA.

Last year, the MBTA says it carried carried more than 1.4 million customers.

This year, ridership to Boston is up 9 percent from Hull and up 3 percent from Quincy. Georges Island ridership from Quincy is up 16 percent. Ridership overall on the MBTA is up 6.2 percent.

Two direct trips from Hull to Boston have been added to the morning weekday schedule, departing Hull at 7:55 a.m. and 8:55 a.m.

More customer service enhancements include two new ticket kiosks at Long Wharf/Central Wharf and at the Charlestown Navy Yard.