Main Lesson
Discussion
• Have you ever jumped the turnstile?
• What do you usually do while waiting for the bus?
• What do you usually do while travelling on public transport?
• How is taking public transport like in your country?
1. Customs Fact
In many English-speaking cities, passengers queue politely for buses and trains and let people exit before they board. Contactless payment (tap-and-go) and reloadable travel cards are common — for example, London uses the Oyster cards, and many North American cities have reloadable transit cards. It’s also common to hear announcements like “Mind the gap” on older subway systems; people usually follow them and stand back from the platform edge.
True or False: In most English-speaking cities you must tip the bus or subway driver.
2. Phrases check
🚌 Bus
• Ask if this bus go to downtown
• Ask if this bus stops at Main Street
• Tell them that you want to leave the bus at the next stop
🚅Train
• Ask which platform is for the train to Boston
• Ask about the next train’s departure time
• Ask if the train is on time
Answer
• Does this bus go to downtown?
• Does this bus stop at Main Street?
• I’d like to get off at the next stop please
• Which platform is for the train to Boston?
• When does the next train to Boston leave?
• Is this train running on time?
3. Dialogue
Buying a train ticket
👨 Hi, I’d like to get a train ticket to Boston, please.
👩✈️ Sure, one-way or round trip?
👨 Round trip. I’ll be coming back the same day.
👩✈️ Got it. Do you have a preferred departure time?
👨 Hmm, what’s the earliest train I can catch?
👩✈️ The first one leaves at 7:15 a.m.
👨 Perfect, I’ll take that. And what about the return?
👩✈️ You can head back at 5:45 p.m., or there’s a later one at 8:30 p.m..
👨 Let’s do the 8:30. Gives me a bit more wiggle room.
👩✈️ Great choice. Standard seat or business class?
👨 Standard is fine. How much will that be?
👩✈️ That comes to $89 round trip.
👨 Okay, I’ll pay by card.
Handling a Missed Train
👨 Excuse me, I just missed the 10:15 train to Boston. Is there any way I can still use my ticket?
👩✈️ I’m sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, your ticket was non-refundable and non-exchangeable, so it can’t be used for another train.
👨 Oh, really? So I have to buy a completely new ticket?
👩✈️ Yes, that’s correct. The system treats a missed train the same as a used ticket.
👨 That’s tough. What’s the next available train to Boston?
👩✈️ The next one leaves at 11:30. I can issue you a new ticket if you’d like.
👨 Okay, I guess I don’t have a choice. Please give me a ticket for the 11:30.
👩✈️ Sure. That’ll be $45. Do you want to pay by card or cash?
👨 Card, please.
👩✈️ Here you go. This is your new ticket. Boarding will begin around 11:15.
👨 Thanks for helping me out, even though it’s a bit painful for my wallet.
👩✈️ I understand. I hope you catch your next train smoothly!
4. Practice
Situation 1
You arrive at the train station. You need a ticket to Boston. Practice asking about times, prices, and seat options.
Situation 2
You arrive late and miss your train to Boston. Practice explaining your situation and asking for options.
5. Discussion
• Do you think train tickets should be refundable? Why or why not?
• Would you rather take a long train ride or a short flight? Why?
• What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken by train, bus, or plane?