TAKING THE BUS

Questions to ask at the bus stop Questions to ask at the bus stop

Which bus goes to the airport? Which bus goes to the airport?
How often does bus number 301 come? How often does bus number 301 come?
Does the downtown bus stop here? Does the downtown bus stop here?
Where do I catch the bus to the Where do I catch the bus to the
hospital/airport/mall/library/university? hospital/airport/mall/library/university?
Is this the bus that goes down Main Street? (when Is this the bus that goes down Main Street? (when
you see one coming) you see one coming)
Talking to the bus driver Show some courtesy to other passengers
Is this an express bus? (a bus that makes very few May I sit here?
stops) Would you like my seat?
How much is the fare to …? I’ll stand.
What is the child’s fare? I can move over for you.
Is there a student fare? Excuse me, this is my stop. (If someone is sitting
Do I need a transfer? beside you or blocking the door.)
May I have a transfer, please?
I need to get off at …
Can you tell me when we get to …?
Which is the closest stop to …?
How far is it to the …?
Useful Vocabulary
transfer (verb): to go from one bus to another
using the same ticket
transfer (noun): a piece of paper that shows you
paid for a bus and lets you get on another bus going
another way
bus fare: the amount of money to pay the driver
bus route: the way the bus goes; usually associated
with a # or place name
get off: leave the bus
get on/board: enter the bus
rear seats: seating at the back of the bus
aisle: the long hall you walk down
courtesy/reserved/handicapped seating: to be
used by those who need extra time or help to get on
or off the bus
public transit: transportation that anyone can use
(buses, subways, trains)

Woman: Er, excuse me?

Man: Yes? Can I help you?

Woman: I wanted to ask about buses to ___________

Man: Right. When are you going?

Woman: ___________, I think in the morning. How often do the buses leave?

Man: The first bus is at ________.

Woman: And how long does the journey take?

Man: It depends on the traffic, but normally about ___________.

Woman: Okay, I think I should leave earlier then. Can I buy a ticket in advance?

Man: Yes, of course. Would you like to buy one now?

Woman: Yeah, okay. How much is it?

Man: Single or return?

Woman: Single.

Man: That’s ___________

Woman: Right… Just a minute… Okay, here you go.

Man: Thank you. Here’s your change, and your ticket.

Woman: Thanks for your help.

Man: Don’t forget your purse!

Woman: Oh! Silly me! Thanks!

Ing Forms as Nouns

_Ing forms of verbs can be used as nouns. As a result, they can function as subjects and
objects of verbs and prepositions. Look at the following –ing forms functioning as the
subject of the sentence:

Examples: Dancing is a great exercise.

Overeating can be dangerous to your health.