The Grundy Transit System has started a new local partnership with Illinois Central School Bus to provide public transportation around Grundy County.

In the last four years, GTS rides have increased by thousands. In fiscal year 2012, 5,254 rides were given. That is a more-than-30-percent increase from fiscal year 2011. From 2010 to 2011, ridership increased by more than 87 percent.

"A lot of people seem to think this service is just used for going to Walmart, but almost 30 percent are using it to get to and from work," said Sherey Zerbian, director of GTS.