Getting around B1
Buying tickets, taking transport, and running late.
Public transport
public transport — buses, trains, etc.A: How do you usually get around the city?
B: I mostly take public transport—it's convenient and I don't have to worry about parking.
catch a bus — use public transportA: Are you coming to the party tonight?
B: Maybe, but only if I can catch the last bus home.
get on — board transportA: Quick, the train's about to go!
B: Let's get on now!
get off — leave a bus, train, plane, etc.A: Is this where we get off?
B: No, our stop is after the bridge.
Tickets & routes
a return to — buy a ticketCould I get a return to Oxford, please? (polite)
Return to Oxford, ta. (casual)
does this go to — check the routeExcuse me, does this go to the station, please? (polite)
This go to the station? (very casual)
When you're late
run late — be delayedA: Where are you? The meeting started already!
B: I know, I'm running late. I'll be there in five minutes.
miss the bus — not catch the busA: Why are you late?
B: I missed the bus, so I had to wait for the next one.
traffic jam — congested roadA: Why did it take you so long to get here?
B: Sorry, there was a huge traffic jam downtown.
On the bus
Sam: Shall we catch a bus into town?
Jo: Sure — we can get on at the next stop.
Sam: Which stop do we get off at?
Jo: The one by the museum.
At the ticket office
You: A return to Oxford, please.
Clerk: That's twenty-six pounds. Platform two.
You: Thanks — does this go to Oxford directly?
Clerk: It does, no changes.
Running late
Sam: Hurry — I think we're going to miss the bus!
Jo: There's a huge traffic jam today, look.
Sam: We're going to run late for the meeting now.
Jo: Let's just grab the next one.