Lesson 14 By bus, subway, taxi

Traffic and Transportation English Guide

Getting to Your Destination

• Inquiring about the destination:
  • “Can I get to People’s Square on this bus?”
  • “Is this the right bus for [destination]?”
  • “Please let me know when we reach my stop.”

Understanding the Fare

• Asking about the cost:
  • “What’s the fare?”
  • “Is a tip included in the fare?”
  • Note: It’s customary to tip the driver $1.

Estimating Travel Time

• Querying the duration of the trip:
  • “How long will it take to get there?”
  • “It’s five stops away from here.”

Directional Mistakes

• Addressing navigational errors:
  • “You’re going the wrong way.”
  • “You should transfer to bus No. 11.”
  • “You can catch the correct one at the next stop.”

Sample Dialogues

Dialogue 1: Finding the Right Bus

A: Is this the right bus for Pacific Boulevard?
B: No, you should have taken the No. 709 bus. You can catch one at the next stop.
A: How long will it take to get there?
B: It only takes a few minutes.
A: Thank you very much.
B: Anytime.

Dialogue 2: Going to the Airport

A: I need to go to Kennedy Airport, please. I have to be there by 7:00.
B: We shouldn't have any trouble if the traffic isn't too heavy.
A: Ok, how much will that be?
B: That'll be $15, please.
A: Is a tip included?
B: No, sir.
A: Thanks a lot. Here's $20. Keep the change.

Vocabulary on Streets and Compensation

• Types of Roads:

  • Street, Road, Lane, Boulevard, Avenue, Circle

• Compensation Terms:

  • Commission, Bonus, Perk, Tip, Wage, Salary, Income

• Useful Phrases:

  • “You must finish the work by this Friday.”
  • “I’m sorry to trouble you, but I need…”
  • “It’s no trouble at all to assist you.”
  • “We’re in trouble” means “we have a problem.”