Public Transport
Do you travel by public transports? When was the last time you traveled by public transport? What’s the most popular modes of transportation in your hometown?
Vocabulary
  • Under circumstances (phrase) — In consideration of what is currently happening.
  • Odd (adj.) — happening or occurring infrequently and irregularly; occasional.
  • To splurge (verb) — to spend a lot of money, especially on something special as a way of making yourself feel good.
  • Occasionally (adv.) — sometimes, but not frequently or regularly.
  • To rely on (verb) — to need a particular thing or the help and support of someone or something in order to continue, to work correctly, or to succeed.
  • To get around (phrasal verb) — to go from place to place.
  • Leg room (noun) — space in which a seated person can put their legs.
  • Non-peak/Off-peak time (noun) — describes something that happens or that is used at times when there is least demand for it. Prices at non-peak times are often lower than at other times.
  • To gain traction (phrase) — to receive support or interest that is needed for something to make progress or succeed.
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Questions and answers
Maria: Rory, do you travel by public transports?

Rory: I suppose under normal circumstances, I would every day. But now, because of the quarantine and everything. It’s just the odd metro, right? Sometimes I’ll take a taxi if I feel like splurging a little.

Maria: And how often do you travel by public transport?

Rory: Well, now… It’s only very occasionally because… Well, we all need to, sort of, stay in our local area, don’t we? I don’t know if I can put an exact number on it. Maybe I use it once a week, perhaps.

Maria: When was the last time you traveled by public transport?

Rory: That was on Monday. I took the blue line into the center of Moscow. I had a meeting.

Maria: What’s the most popular modes of transportation in your hometown?

Rory: That’s a good question. I think it’s a 50/50 split. A lot of people have their own cars. So I suppose the thing that people rely on most of all is buses to get around. But that’s inside cities. I suppose if you’re moving between cities, it’s a choice of either your car or taking the train. But maybe some people fly. It would be very strange, but probably…

Maria: What’s the difference between planes and trains?

Rory: Well, that’s like saying what’s the difference between the air and the earth? There’s lots of differences! Although, I definitely think the trains are better than planes. The only advantage that planes have is that they’re faster. Everything else about trains is better. Like the view, the service, the leg room, everything. So if you’re listening, if you get the chance to visit the UK, you might fly there. But when you’re there, make sure you travel around by train at non-peak times. It’s amazing. It’s a great adventure.

Maria: Rory, what about Russia? Would you say the trains are better than planes? ???? Russian listeners can understand me…

Rory: Russia’s different, though, because Russia is such a big country that it takes ages to get anywhere outside of a major city. So probably the plane will be better. But if you go to the UK, like, I think the train is better.

Maria: Have you ever traveled by train in Russia?

Rory: I have traveled to St. Petersburg and I traveled to Voronezh by train as well. It was actually good fun. I liked it, but it wouldn’t be something I would do regularly.

Maria: Do you think people will drive more in the future?

Rory: I don’t know. I suppose in the current economic and political climate… No, I’m still not sure. For example, if the whole climate change movement gains more traction, then they could make it very difficult for people to drive cars more often and in greater numbers. But if the economy recovers and oil prices remain low, then people might drive more. Is it so difficult to tell right now.

Maria: What about you? Will you drive more? Can you drive?

Rory: Well, I won’t drive at all. I can’t drive. Period. So it’s OK for me.

Maria: Why?

Rory: I just didn’t learn… Well, I did learn how to drive, but I just didn’t get my licence. I’ll probably get it next year.
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