At a time when premium gasoline costs $4 a gallon across California, a visit to downtown Sacramento on Thursday cost fifth-graders from Margaret G. Scotten School in Grass Valley just $4 per person.

Roundtrip.

They did it with public transportation.

Twenty-two fifth-graders, seven parents and fifth-grade teacher George Grist took the Gold Country Stage to Auburn. Then, they hopped on the light rail to downtown Sacramento.

"It was really fun," said 11-year-old Cheyanne Ramos. "It was an exciting adventure. The people on the bus were really kind."

Max Harriman, 11, agreed.

"It was fantastic," he said. "I like seeing the scenery (while on the bus) and like meeting new people.

"It's a lot cheaper, as gas prices have been going up. It's also a great time to read on the bus," Harriman said.

After arriving in Sacramento, the group walked through the K Street Mall, visited Old Town Sacramento, ate lunch on the steps of the California Capitol and walked to the Sacramento River, Grist said.

"Taking the children out in the community on public transport is very much different from them riding a school bus," Grist said. "If you use public transport, you can save a lot of money. People would also be very surprised at how many different places public transport can take you."

A complete schedule for the Gold County Stage, the local public bus service, can be picked up at the bus office on John Bauer Avenue in Grass Valley, or by calling 477-0103. Information about the Placer County Transit system and the Sacramento Light Rail can be obtained online.

To contact Staff Writer Soumitro Sen, e-mail soumitros@theunion.com or call 477-4229.