Recent articles and letters in these pages have blazed with investigations and opinions concerning the cost of gasoline in Amador County, compared to prices in surrounding counties. For years, Amador county news - www.boitano.net reporters and editors have sought clear answers to the question of higher prices at the home pumps.

Response from suppliers has been as slippery as the most gooey product they make. If the truth will be uncovered, we expect a journalist's craftsmanship must give way to the professional ministrations of an aggressive public attorney.

The facts remain clear: it generally costs more to fuel your vehicle in Amador County than it does in, say, Calaveras County. We have an immediate and satisfactory solution to this disparity. Use your public transportation system and avoid burning costly fuel in your car or truck. Avoid also the challenges of parking, repairs and local driving.

We live in an area where a personal vehicle is a necessity. But this necessary expense can be reduced and the savings in dollars, time and reduced stress are substantial.

Just think of it - every time you pass a gas station, relaxed and comfortable in an ARTS bus, you are thumbing your nose at the gas people. These are the ones who have claimed for years that their higher fuel prices are caused by everything from higher delivery costs to a wobble in the phases of Saturn's moons (OK, that last bit is a slight exaggeration).

The Amador Regional Transit System will take you on your weekly shopping trips, on a weekend excursion to Kirkwood Ski Resort, from the eastern reaches of populated Amador County to the down-county cities. A regular shuttle carries passengers throughout the cites, from Ione to Sutter Creek, Sutter Hill and Jackson.

There is a very popular weekday morning route into Sacramento, returning in the evening. For many, this is a joyful departure from the daily grind of commuting and, for others, connection to a quick and easy run into Sacramento International Airport is a stress-free wonder.

For the new year, Amador County students will enjoy fares reduced to $1 per student, each way. This is a serious alternative to hauling the children off to school each morning and picking them up in the afternoon.

All of this is accomplished without generating 1 cent of your personal funds for local fuel suppliers. Solve the fuel cost disparity by stepping on the ARTS bus.

Terry Grillo is a marketing consultant with the Amador Regional Transit System.