SUNDERLAND — Thanks to a Massachusetts Department of Transportation grant, the South County Senior Center will one day be able to say it has a fleet of vehicles.

The regional senior center serving Deerfield, Sunderland and Whately received $90,800 to purchase a 14-passenger minibus in an effort to expand its transportation options for the region’s older adults. The three towns will split a $27,000 match — Deerfield will pay half, while Sunderland and Whately will each pay a quarter — for vehicle upgrades, including collision detection and grab bars inside the vehicle.

Senior Center Director Jennifer Remillard said the center’s current 2011 seven-passenger van is a good vehicle, but adding another larger vehicle will expand their capabilities, especially as more people request rides. The new vehicle will also be able to fit two wheelchair riders.

“It’s small and we only have one wheelchair-accessible seat. … We’ve been maintaining it and use it frequently,” Remillard said of the current van. “Transportation is a key program. … This will definitely help us to offer accessible transportation.”

The South County Senior Center provides rides to members for Senior Center activities and programs, medical appointments and field trips. Transportation is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the center’s open hours and, if available, to shopping and medical appointments. Rides should be scheduled at least two days ahead of time. To book a ride, call Outreach Coordinator Chris Goudreau at 413-786-1066.

In the past, when demand outgrew the seven-passenger van, the Senior Center would borrow a van from Frontier Regional School or rent one from a van service. With a new van of its own, scheduling would be easier, while also allowing more people who use wheelchairs to take part in rides and activities due to the additional space.

“This calendar year we’ve given over 137 rides to 23 people and last year we gave 313 rides to 44 people,” Remillard said. “Now we’re able to open it up to people with different abilities.”

While Remillard said the van will be a welcome addition to the Senior Center, they will have to wait a bit as it is expected to be in operation in June 2026.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.