TRANSPORTATION

Verbs and Transport

catch a bus/train I am going to catch a bus to work today
drive a car I am going to drive my car to the service station
ride a bike/motorbike I am going to ride my bike to the shops
get a plane/taxi I am going to get a plane to London
Phrasal Verbs
To get on a bus/bicycle/motorbike/train Are you going to get on this bus or the next
one?
To get off a bus/bicycle/motorbike/train We will be getting off the train at the next
stop
To wait for the bus/train/taxi I have been waiting for the bus for 40 minutes, I hope it
comes soon!
To get in the car/taxi Watch you dont bump your head as you get in the taxi
To get out of the car/taxi You will need to get out of the car, there are too many people
in it
Conversation Questions
What forms of transportation do you use?
Which transportation do you prefer air, sea or road?
Which form of transportation do you think is the safest? (train, bus, car, plane, bicycle,
motorbike, boat, foot)
What do you think of the transportation in other countries?
Are you happy with the public transport system in your country?
What type of transport do you think we will see in the future?
Whats your favourite method of transportation?
What do you think is the most dangerous form of transportation? Why?
Do you often use public transportation?
At what age can a person obtain a drivers license in your country?
Do you drive a car often?
What is your favourite kind of car? Why?
What do you think about electric cars? Do you think all cars will be electric in the future?
Can you ride a motorcycle?
Do you think a motorcycle rider should be required to wear a helmet?
Do you like riding a bicycle?
Have you ever missed your last train or bus home?
What do you usually do to keep yourself entertained when riding a train or bus?
Do you sometimes take a taxi (cab)?
Do you like traveling by aeroplane?
Would you like to go on a cruise? Why or why not?
Is there any environmentally-friendly transportation in your area?


Discuss any of the questions below.

1. How do you get to school/work?
2. How long does it take?
3. How much is the bus fare or the train fare?
4. Do you often ride public transport during rush hour?
5. Do you often use public transport?
6. What kind of transport do you use most often?
7. What's the most efficient form of public transport where you live? Why?
8. How could public transport in your city be improved?
9. How expensive is public transportation in your city?
10. Have you ever missed your last train or bus home? How did you get home that night?
11. Is there any environmentally-friendly transport in your area?
12. What do you think is the most dangerous form of transport? Why?
13. What do you think is the safest form of transport? Why?
14. What's your favorite form of transportation?
15. Has public transport changed in your city over the last 10 years? How?
16. Has transport in your country improved in recent years?
17. Do you think transport in your country is likely to continue to improve in the future?
18. Would you like to go on a cruise liner? Why/why not?
19. Have you ever used an unusual form of public transport?
20. Is it expensive to take a taxi in your country?
21. Do you think that governments should encourage people to use public transport more?
22. Is there a good transport system where you live?

What you learn in grammar books and in your English class:
by + type of transportation
by car
by bus
by train
by subway / metro / tube
by plane / by air
by boat
by bicycle
on foot [NOT by foot!]
I go to work by car.
We went on vacation by plane.
I go by bicycle to my friends house.
We are going to travel across Canada by train.
I commute to work by bus.
Common, natural English:
Use verbs that express the action.
drive
walk
fly
sail
bike [Yes, it's a verb AND a noun!]
ride a bike.
take the bus
take the train
take the subway
Example sentences:
How do you get to work?
I
drive to work.
take the bus to work.
ride my bike to work.
walk to work.
take the subway to work.

Where are you going on vacation? How are you getting there?
We went to London, England on our last vacation. We flew there.
For our vacation this year were driving to Disney World!
More example sentences:
I dont like driving downtown Toronto. I prefer to take the bus.
On my days off, I like to go for a walk in the park or ridemy bike.
When I was young, my friends and I would biketo the local arcade and play video games all
day.
Recently, a 16-year-old Australian girl sailed around the world by herself!

Questions about trains / buses
Could you tell me the time of the
next train / bus to Cardiff, please?
Is it an express train / bus, or do I
have to change trains / buses?
Is there a buffet car?
What platform / stop does it leave
from?
What time does it depart?
What time does it arrive?
How long is the journey?


Buying a train ticket
I'd like a ticket to London, please.
o Single or return?
Return. How much is the fare?
o That's 150.00 peak time,
or if you travel off-peak
between 10am and 3pm it's
only 65.00.
I'll travel off-peak then thanks. Can
I reserve a seat?
o Yes, but it's an extra 5.00.
Questions about flying
Is there a flight to London, please?
Is it a direct flight, or do I have to
change planes?
Do they serve food?
What terminal does it leave from?
Is there an airport bus?
Can I have a window/aisle seat?
What time do I have to check in?
What time does it take off?
What time does it land?
How long is the flight?


Buying a plane ticket
I'd like a ticket to London, please.
o Single or return?
Return. How much is it?
o That's 150.00 business
class, or 65.00 budget.
Budget then thanks. Can I have a
window / aisle seat, please?
o Yes, certainly.








Dialogue
Mr Smith is checking in at the airport.
Checking in at the airport - Conversation
Clerk: Good Morning.
Mr S : Is this the right desk? My flight is BA123.
Clerk: Yes, that's right. I need your passport and your ticket, please.
Mr S: There you go.
Clerk: Thank you. Do you have any luggage to check in Mr Smith?
Mr S: Yes, these two suitcases.
Clerk: Could you put them on the conveyor belt, please.
Mr S: Sure. I don't think they are over.
Clerk: No. That's fine. Would you like a window or an aisle seat?
Mr S: A window seat, please.
Clerk: ... Here are your luggage tags and your boarding card. Your seat is 36B.
Mr S: Thank you. What is the boarding time?
Clerk: The plane is boarding in 30 minutes. You leave from Gate 15. Have a good flight.
Mr S: Thank you. Goodbye.
- See more at: http://www.learnenglish.de/vocabulary/transport.html#sthash.VBCpfIuj.dpuf






Dialogue
Public Transport
Fei is waiting for J erry and is surprised when he arrives on time.
Fei : Jerry! You're here early. What a pleasant surprise! How did you get here so fast?
Jerry : I flew! I just parked my airplane across the street...
Fei : No, seriously. You rarely arrive on time.
Jerry : Today I took the subway instead of the bus. It's really convenient to come to the north of
Beijing.
Fei : Yes, the subway is undergoing many improvements. For a long time, there were only
two lines - Line Number 1, which goes through Beijing from east to west, and the Loop
Line, which goes around the Second Ring Road.
Jerry : But now there's Line 13 which I took today. It goes all around the northern part of the
city. And there's an extension of Line 1, which now goes even further to the east.
Fei : In the future, the subway will be even better. The city has plans for a whole network that
will cover most of Beijing.
Jerry : That's good to hear! Do you know where the new subway lines will be?
Fei : At least one line will go to the south of Beijing, and one line will go to Beijing
University, passing by the Beijing Zoo along the way.
Jerry : Do you think there might be a train to the airport some day?
Fei : Yes, there will be a line connecting Beijing Airport with the Second Ring Road.
Jerry : New subway lines will really help relieve the traffic. The roads in Beijing have become
so crowded since I arrived here.
Fei : Actually, the city has other plans for reducing the number of cars on the road. In
Chinese, it's called "kuai su gong jiao".
Jerry : Oh, is that a Rapid Transit Bus? Do you think that can really help?
Fei : There is already an experimental rapid bus that goes from Qianmen, just south of
Tiananmen Square, to the south of Beijing. I tried it out a couple of weeks ago. It's really
fast!
Jerry : How does it work?
Fei : There is a special lane that is ONLY for buses. No cars or bicycles can ever enter this
lane, so the bus is free to move along, passing all the cars in the other lanes.
Jerry : So, the people in cars may be stuck in traffic, while the bus moves freely! That's a great
idea. I'm sure more and more people will want to take such buses.
Fei : We're going to see so many more changes in Beijing in the coming years. Remember,
the 2008 Olympic Games are just around the corner!

Dialogue

Station clerk: Can I help you?
Claire: Yes, what time is the next train to Brighton?
Station clerk: The next train is at 12.05.
Claire: OK. How much is a ticket?
Station clerk: Single or return?
Claire: Single.
Station clerk: A single ticket is 10 pounds.
Claire: OK, fine. One single please. Which platform does the train leave from?
Station clerk: The train leaves from Platform 2.
Claire: Thank you.







Dialogue

A: I need to get on another bus, but I have no more money.
B: Where'd the rest of your money for the bus go?
A: I spent it on a bag of chips.
B: Well, that was an intelligent thing to do.
A: You don't have any spare change?
B: No, I don't.
A: How am I going to get home?
B: You should just ask the bus driver for a transfer.
A: How much does that cost?
B: It's free; just go ask for one.
A: Thanks for letting me know.
B: No problem, just go ask.











Dialogue

Need a Bus to Las Vegas?
Tyra : John, I need some advice.
John : Sure Tyra. What is it?
Tyra : I need to go to Las Vegas for a conference. Can you tell me if I can get a bus?
John : A conference in Vegas? That sounds awesome!
Well, you can easily find a bus from the interstate.
Tyra : Any idea when the bus leaves?
John : I've used it once. I think it leaves at 7.30 AM. But do check. Maybe you can call them.
Tyra : Hmm...Yeah. I will call them and find out.
A Subway Ride.
Winnie : Alright, so it's decided. I'll see you at 6.30 at the Central Station.
John : I'll be there Winnie, but can't we make it a bit later? What about 7?
Winnie : I'll be taking the 6PM subway train so I'll get there by 6.30. But no problems, I'll hang
around.
John : Why don't you take a bus instead?
Winnie : I don't like traveling on buses, John. The subway is faster and safer.
John : You're right about that.
Do I Need to Change Buses?
Tyra : I need to get to Westport St. this evening. Does a bus go there from Newtown?
Winnie : Well, I don't think so. It's a small street at the other end of town. I think you'll need to
change at Westbanks.
Tyra : Change the bus? That's going to take me so much time. Isn't there a better way?
Winnie : You could always go by car, or take the subway.
Tyra : Is there a subway stop at Westport?
Winnie : No, but there's one at Westbanks and you can get a bus from there.
Which Train Should I Take?
John : Excuse me. I need to go to Rock street. Can you tell me which train to take?
Terry : Rock Street? Isn't that near Smith's Walk?
John : Yes, that's right. Smith's Walk is right nearby.
Terry : Take the Green line, and get down at Browning Street. From there take a cab.
John : How far is it from Browning Street?
Terry : About 2 KMs I think. You could walk too.
John : The weather is nice today. I might walk. Thank you for your help.
Terry : No problem. It's a pleasure to be of help.













TRANSCRIPT LISTENING

LISTENING 1
Shinta : This bus goes all the way to Santa Anita mall, right?
Bob : Yes, it'll take us there.
Shinta : Are you positive?
Bob : I always catch this bus.
Shinta : How long is this bus ride?
Bob : It only takes half an hour.
Shinta : Where do we get off at?
Bob : We can get off the bus right behind Macy's.
Shinta : There's a stop right next to the mall?
Bob : Yeah, it's right in the parking lot.
Shinta : That's cool.
Bob : Yes, I know.

QUESTION:
1. How long is that bus ride ?
2. Where do they get off at ?
3. Theres a stop right next to the mall. True or False

LISTENING 2
A: I need to get on another bus, but I have no more money.
B: Where'd the rest of your money for the bus go?
A: I spent it on a bag of chips.
B: Well, that was an intelligent thing to do.
A: You don't have any spare change?
B: No, I don't.
A: How am I going to get home?
B: You should just ask the bus driver for a transfer.
A: How much does that cost?
B: It's free; just go ask for one.
A: Thanks for letting me know.
B: No problem, just go ask.



LISTENING 3
A: Can you tell me what bus to catch from Altadena to downtown LA?
B: You can catch the 486.
A: That bus goes all the way to LA?
B: I believe so.
A: Is the bus ride long?
B: It only takes 45 minutes to an hour.
A: That's all?
B: It's a pretty short trip.
A: Is there always a lot of people on that bus?
B: It only gets crowded once it gets to LA.
A: Oh okay, thank you.
B: No problem.
Question :
1. What bus to catch from Altadena to downtown LA?
2. How long is that bus ride ?
3. Is there always a lot of people on that bus?


LISTENING 4
A: How much does it cost for a bus pass?
B: It'll be $65 for a monthly pass.
A: Is there anything cheaper than that?
B: If you're in school, you can get a student pass.
A: Well.. I am. How much will that cost?
B: The pass is free.
A: I don't have to pay for anything?
B: You'll only have to pay for the monthly sticker.
A: How much is the monthly sticker?
B: It's $24 for each month.
A: I'll take the student bus pass.
B: Okay, I'll get you one.
Question :

1. How much does it cost for a bus pass?
2. Is the passenger student ?
3. How much does it cost for a student pass?
4. How much is the monthly sticker?



LISTENING 5

Dialogue 1

Station clerk: Can I help you?
Claire: Yes, what time is the next train to Brighton?
Station clerk: The next train is at 12.05.
Claire: OK. How much is a ticket?
Station clerk: Single or return?
Claire: Single.
Station clerk: A single ticket is 10 pounds.
Claire: OK, fine. One single please. Which platform does the train leave from?
Station clerk: The train leaves from Platform 2.



Dialogue 2

Taxi driver: Where to madam?
Claire: Clifford Road, in front of the cinema.
Taxi driver: Sure.
Claire: How long will it take?
Taxi driver: About 40 minutes.
Claire: 40 minutes?
Taxi driver: Yeah, the traffic is really bad today.


Dialogue 3

Check-in agent: Good morning. Can I have your passport, please?
Claire: Here you are.
Check-in agent: Would you like a window or an aisle seat?
Claire: An aisle seat, please.
Check-in agent: Do you have any baggage?
Claire: Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on bag.
Check-in agent: Did you pack your bags yourself?
Claire: Yes, I did.
Check-in agent: Here's your boarding pass. Have a nice flight.


Role play

Train station

Destination: Paris Next train: 16:45 Platform: 4 Type of ticket: return
Price: 20 euros
Taxi Destination: Hotel Helios Journey time: 50 minutes
Airport Type of seat: window Baggage: one carry-on bag


Now answer the questions:

1. What time is the next train to Brighton?
2. How much is a single ticket to Brighton?
3. Which platform does the train leave from?
4. How long will the taxi journey take?
5. Does Claire want a window seat or an aisle seat?
6. What bags does she have?
7. Did she pack her bags herself?







LISTENING 6

TRANSPORT TRANSCRIPT


Ruth, England
Good transportation? Not really because I'm from a small village but then if you actually go into
the town itself, then things aren't too bad. There's quite a good bus system and you can get there
easily on the train. We don't have a tram or anything like that but we don't need one. It's not very
big anyways so we have enough transportation for all of our needs.

Akane, Canada
Does your hometown have a good transportation? Well, my hometown is Toronto and I would
say that it does have a good transportation system. The highway system is quite extensive and
there are buses and subway systems and long distance trains throughout. It may not be as
convenient as some other countries like England or Japan, but I do think Toronto has the best
transportation system in Canada.

Jeyong, South Korea
I'm from Seoul, Korea and "Yes" we have a good transportation because we have a lot of buses
and we have a very convenient subway which almost goes around places around Seoul area, and
outside of Seoul, so basically you can reach any place by riding the subway, and buses, even
though there's a big traffic, still I think it's very comfortable.

Naomi, Australia
There's actually not very good transportation in my hometown because it's quite rural. You
definitely need your own car to get around. I have a car in my hometown to get me around
because actually it's on top of a mountain so there's no trains and there's only an occasional bus
which is very expensive to use.

Ruth, Ireland
The transport in my hometown isn't too bad. I live quite near to the capital so there is a train that
runs in and out from there. There are buses as well that run into Dublin city but sometimes they
can be late or delayed.

Todd, United States
Yeah, San Francisco has a pretty good transportation system. The best thing about it, it's really
cheap. You can go anywhere in the city for 1 dollar because once you buy a ticket for one dollar
you get three transfers, so you can transfer from a bus to another bus, or a bus to the subway, so
it's really efficient. Also we have the cable cars and there's pretty cool.
VIDEO
I ntroduction
Welcome to twominenglish.com. Teaching you English through two-minute lessons.
In this lesson, we will learn the phrases that you can use to talk about commuting in public
transportation.
Need a Bus to Las Vegas?
Tyra : John, I need some advice.
John : Sure Tyra. What is it?
Tyra : I need to go to Las Vegas for a conference. Can you tell me if I can get a bus?
John : A conference in Vegas? That sounds awesome!
Well, you can easily find a bus from the interstate.
Tyra : Any idea when the bus leaves?
John : I've used it once. I think it leaves at 7.30 AM. But do check. Maybe you can call them.
Tyra : Hmm...Yeah. I will call them and find out.
A Subway Ride.
Winnie : Alright, so it's decided. I'll see you at 6.30 at the Central Station.
John : I'll be there Winnie, but can't we make it a bit later? What about 7?
Winnie : I'll be taking the 6PM subway train so I'll get there by 6.30. But no problems, I'll hang
around.
John : Why don't you take a bus instead?
Winnie : I don't like traveling on buses, John. The subway is faster and safer.
John : You're right about that.
Do I Need to Change Buses?
Tyra : I need to get to Westport St. this evening. Does a bus go there from Newtown?
Winnie : Well, I don't think so. It's a small street at the other end of town. I think you'll need to
change at Westbanks.
Tyra : Change the bus? That's going to take me so much time. Isn't there a better way?
Winnie : You could always go by car, or take the subway.
Tyra : Is there a subway stop at Westport?
Winnie : No, but there's one at Westbanks and you can get a bus from there.
Which Train Should I Take?
John : Excuse me. I need to go to Rock street. Can you tell me which train to take?
Terry : Rock Street? Isn't that near Smith's Walk?
John : Yes, that's right. Smith's Walk is right nearby.
Terry : Take the Green line, and get down at Browning Street. From there take a cab.
John : How far is it from Browning Street?
Terry : About 2 KMs I think. You could walk too.
John : The weather is nice today. I might walk. Thank you for your help.
Terry : No problem. It's a pleasure to be of help.









1. "Conference" is a formal meeting for discussion. (TRUE OR FALSE )

2. Choose the correct sentence.

Can you tell me if a bus?

Can you me if I can get a bus?

Can you tell me if I can get a bus?

Can you tell me can get bus?





3. Well, you _____ easily find a bus from _____ interstate.

Can & could

Can & The

Can & Will

None of the above.
4. Can you tell me ______ train to take?

What

Where

Which

None of the above.




5. Where was Tyra going for conference?

Las Vegas

Washington DC

New York

None of the above.