For many seniors who need to move around Rochester, the Council on Aging provides the only ride in town. And thanks to a state transportation grant seniors will benefit from the addition of a new, custom-built Ford van.

On June 14, Council on Aging staff and volunteers christened the van in a brief ceremony that ended as sparkling cider was poured on the hood.

One year ago, Council Director Sharon Lally applied for money from the state’s mobility assistance grant. “It is a very competitive process and we were very lucky to get the money for the van,” Lally said.

The grant covered 80 percent of the van’s cost while the town paid the remaining 20 percent, which amounted to $11,128.

The new handicap-accessible vehicle replaced a 2005 Chevy van with high mileage. The van seats nine passengers. In total, the center operates three vehicles seniors may use at no cost.

Rochester is one of 33 towns across the state that lacks public transportation. Because of that, the cost of operating the fleet is partially reimbursed through state aid. Last year, Lally noted the town paid about $36,000 to run the vans, of which $31,000 was reimbursed.

“We’re like the MBTA of Rochester,” she said.

Seniors wanting to book a ride on the van are asked to call the senior center 24 hours in advance. For medical appointments, riders are asked to call once they know when day and time of the appointment are set. The vans do not have scheduled routes. The senior center can be reached at 508-763-8723.

Also on hand for the ceremony were members of the council's board of directors, volunteers, and van drivers. Present on behalf of State Representative William Strauss and State Senator Michael Rodrigues were Cynthia Trabucco and Maria Connor, respectively.