Using Public Transport: Getting Around While Travelling

REVIEW – Directions Vocabulary

Go straight ______ for five minutes. 

Turn left at the ______. 

The museum is just ______ the café. 

The bank is ______ the restaurant. 

The hotel is ______ from the station. 

GRAMMAR FOCUS: Using “Supposed to”

We use “supposed to” to talk about expectations, instructions, and schedules.

Structure: subject + be + supposed to + verb

Examples:

The train is supposed to arrive at 6.

Am I supposed to change here?

We’re supposed to get off at the next stop.

This bus isn’t supposed to stop here.

Questions:

Am I supposed to buy a ticket first?

Are we supposed to transfer here?

FIXED PHRASES

Which platform do I need? – Which platform do I need for the train to Vienna?

Does this bus go to…? – Does this bus go to the city centre?

How much is a ticket? – How much is a ticket to the airport?

PUBLIC TRANSPORT VOCABULARY (B2+/C1 LEVEL)

ROLEPLAY: USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN EUROPE

Employee: Hello, can I help you?

Traveller: Explain where you are going and use supposed to.

Employee: Which city are you travelling to?

Traveller: Ask which train you are supposed to take.

Employee: You need the 10:30 train from platform 8.

Traveller: Ask for clarification about the platform or transfer.

Employee: Yes, you need to transfer in Brno.

Traveller: Ask how long you are supposed to wait there.

Employee: The next platform is right across from the first one.

Traveller: Ask about tickets and if everything is included.

Employee: Everything is included in your ticket.

Traveller: Ask what to do if the train is delayed.

Employee: If it’s delayed, ask at the information desk.

Traveller: Ask about the journey, café, or luggage.

Employee: There’s a dining carriage in the middle of the train.

Traveller: Ask about reserving a seat or where to leave luggage.

Employee: There’s space above your seat or near the entrance.

Traveller: Repeat the instructions to confirm understanding.

Employee: Exactly.

Traveller: Finish naturally.

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS (WITH EXAMPLE ANSWERS)

Do you prefer public transport or driving? – I prefer public transport because it’s cheaper and less stressful.

What type of public transport do you use most often? – I mostly use trains and trams in cities.

Have you used public transport abroad? – Yes, but sometimes it was confusing.

What is the biggest problem with public transport? – Delays and overcrowding.

Do you think transport is better in large cities? – Yes, usually there are more options.

Have you ever missed a train? – Yes, once I was on the wrong platform.

Do you find transport systems easy to understand? – Usually yes, but signs can be confusing.

What is the best transport system you’ve used? – I really liked the metro in London.

Do you buy tickets online or in person? – I usually buy them online.

Why is public transport useful for tourists? – Because it’s affordable and convenient.