SACRAMENTO, Calif. Here's a little piece of free advice that could save you hundreds of dollars:

If you're a small operator that makes infrequent trips to commercial airports, make sure you check with security officials before dropping off passengers at any airport you have not visited in recent weeks or months.

That's because the airport may have adopted new or revised security regulations that include stiff fines for not having an airport entry permit or transponder.

And the new rules may not have been publicized.

Sacramento International Airport is a prime example.

Two years ago, the Sacramento County Airport System adopted more than 30 pages of ground transportation rules and regulations for Sacramento International Airport.

The rules require commercial bus operators dropping off passengers at the airport to have a permit and transponder.

First offense tickets are $500 and airport security officers do not issue warnings. No permit or transponder: Instant $500 citation.

There are no signs approaching the airport warning operators of the requirements, and apparently the airport did not send out notices either to bus operators in the region or to the California Bus Association.

Ronald Gonsalves of American Stage Tours in Concord, Calif., thinks it is high time the motorcoach industry get serious about advocating for a uniform entry system for buses and other passenger carriers using American airports.

"I have raised this point before, but I think it is time to revisit it," Gonsalves told Bus & Motorcoach News.

"What can we do as an industry to have one approval process, one permit and one transponder for any U.S. airport? The approval process could be very similar to being approved as a military carrier.

"Our company currently spends hundreds of dollars per coach for each airport permit, including running as many as 90 useless miles per coach per year to go to the airport for the annual permit inspection.

"I have spoken to several operators and all of them feel this is over due," said Gonsalves.

The problem is particularly irksome to Gonsalves because there are four major airports in his region, each with its own rules, regulations and requirements. Two of the airports, San Francisco and Oakland, charge hundreds of dollars for permits.

For a small operator like Gonsalves, who only goes to Sacramento International Airport a few times a year, there is one small saving grace.

Buried in the 30 pages of regulations is information about a "special event permit."

"If you visit the airport infrequently you can call ahead for one of the special event permits," he said. "There is no charge for the permit which allows drop off."

The permit must be on the dash of each "special event" vehicle. To obtain one, phone the Sacramento airport at (916) 874-0762.