On Friday, a new van was added to the Marion Council on Aging’s fleet to help shuttle seniors for doctor visits, grocery shopping, and other appointments.

“These vans are important,” said State Rep. Bill Straus. “They help people in their daily lives to get them out and about with family and friends.”

Strauss, along with Council on Aging members, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning at Coastline Elderly Services Inc. in New Bedford.

Council on Aging Director Sue Schwager said the van, the council’s third, arrives at a time when more seniors are seeking transportation.

According to the council, ridership increased 200 percent over the past three years. Riders use the service for grocery shopping, medical appointments, trips to Wareham’s YMCA, and for many other reasons.

Anyone 60 years or older, plus any resident who is disabled, may use the van. Schwager said donations are welcome.

Coastline Chief Executive Officer Paula Shiner said the agency wrote the application for the eight-passenger van. A Department of Transportation program partially paid for the van.

The Council on Aging will contribute matching funds of 20 percent for the cost of the vehicle. After 100,000 miles or five years, whichever occurs first, the council will own the van.

“The extra pennies in the gas tax goes to transportation needs which is not just roads or bridges, but vehicles like this,” Strauss said.

For more information on the shuttle service, call the Council on Aging at 508-748-3570 or visit marionma.gov and check the Council on Aging link.