Everyone knew about this mode of transportation but Lorraine and me. How do you get to Washington, D.C. and back without spending a lot of money? Two people, round trip.

Airlines to and fro are over $400. The railroads are over $250. You have to get there with a reservation, on time, or you don't make it. Even true on Thanksgiving weekend.

Then, through Lorraine's sisters, Clara and Louise, we found out about the Vamoosebus.com. Remember buses, they always were a great way to travel. You see the countryside while some very capable driver is struggling with the overcrowded highways. It is nonstop. We made it to D.C. in 4 1/2 hours on the Wednesday before the Thursday of Thanksgiving. On the way home, it was also 4 1/2 hours. They are functioning seven days a week. On Saturdays, there are fewer buses going and coming.

Oh yes, the cost!

It is $25 a person each way. You pay after you are comfortably seated on the bus. A gentleman walks down the aisle, kibitzing all the way, while he collects the fare. A bonus, hand him four receipts from previous travel and you ride for free. The buses hold four across, two and two, and 20 rows. There is a toilet at the back of the bus for those who need it.

The bus bound for Washington leaves from 4 Pennsylvania Plaza (Penn Station), at the green awning. You line up, with your luggage, against the building (Madison Square Garden) and wait your turn to board. You are at 255 W. 31st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues. You will notice that most of the passengers are a lot younger than you and are heading back to school. They load your luggage on the side of the bus.

You should make a reservation over the phone or over the Internet. You will receive an e-mail confirmation.

During our engagement period and during the 46 years of our marriage we have traveled to Washington, D.C. in many varied methods. First it was Eastern Airlines (remember them?), then it was the shuttles of Trump Airlines, United and Delta. Always expensive.

We took the Amtrak Railroad service and while it was pleasant, the cost kept escalating. Driving by car has advantages and disadvantages. You have the use of your car while there, but on holidays it can take seven hours for a 4 1/2-hour trip. The driver is under much tension and the traffic is brutal.

During the expensive gas era, it was costly filling up.

Try Vamoosebus.com, extend yourself a bit and I think you will have a comfortable trip to our nation's capital.