Traffic and travelling
What means of transport do you know?
If I have to travel long distances, I can go by bicycle, motorbike, car, train (passenger, fast, intercity), bus, coach, tram,
trolley bus, underground, suburban train, plane.
What kinds of vehicles are used in city transport?
In big cities there are several vehicles used in public transport such as buses, trams, trolley buses, suburban trains, and
underground.
How do you use this vehicles?
You use them in the same way. If you do not have a season ticket, you buy a ticket first and after getting on you must
punch your ticket. You must keep it because the inspector may come and ask you for it.
How do you travel by underground?
After buying a ticket, I put it into the machine at the gates. I go through the gates and go down to the platforms on the
escalator. When the train comes, the doors open and I get on. I either take a seat or stand and hang on the straphanger not
to fall. When I reach my destination I get off, go up the escalator and leave the station.
Can you drive a car? Have you got a driving license?
Yes, I can. I have had a driving license for a year.
How do you start a car?
When I get into the car, I put the ignition key into the keyhole and turn it. The engine starts. Then I push down the clutch
pedal and put the gear level into first gear. Next I take the handbrake off. I let out the clutch pedal slowly, while pushing
down the accelerator pedal and the car moves.
How often do you travel by train? What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by train?
I sometimes travel by train. Rail travel within Hungary is not terribly expensive. It is cheaper than travelling by bus. On
the other hand, you can see the countryside too. However, first class compartment or inter city trains are quite expensive,
and the second class carriages are not always as clean as they should be and they are crowded and noisy. Sometimes they
are late due to different reasons e.g.: blizzards and then if they are not punctual, you can miss your connections.
Are the tickets cheap?
Tickets can be bought from railway stations and travel agencies. If you go on a day trip, it is better to buy a return ticket
than a single one, because you pay less. Students can pay the 67% (percent) of full fare.
Where do you like to sit?
I usually sit facing the engine because I hate sitting back to the engine. I usually choose a second-class, non-smoking
compartment.
When did you last travel by train?
Last month I travelled to Budapest by train. I bought the ticket at the booking office at the railway station. After that I
went to the right platform and waited for the train to come. It was a fast train. Then I got on the train and took a seat by
the window in a second class compartment. I put my bag on the luggage rack above my seat. When the inspector came, I
showed him my ticket. He checked it. While I was travelling, I was looking at the beautiful countryside. Fortunately, I
didn’t have to change, because it was a direct train.
What goes on at a railway station?
There are usually a lot of people at the railway station. Most of them are waiting for the trains to come. They are either
standing or sitting in the waiting room reading newspapers and waiting for their trains to be announced over the
loudspeaker. Others are queuing up at the ticket offices. The indicator board shows the time of arrival and departure and
destinations.
Have you ever flown? Yes, I have. / No, I haven’t.
What do passengers do when they are at the airport?
When you travel to somewhere by plane from the airport, you can look at the departures board which shows the flight
numbers, departure times, and destinations. At the check-in desk they weigh your luggage. Usually you can take about
twenty kilos. If it is more you have to pay extra/ an excess baggage. They also check your ticket and give you a boarding
card for the plane with your seat number on it. Then you go through passport control where an official checks your
passport and then you go to the departure lounge. Here you can buy different things in the duty-free shops. About half an
hour before take-off, you go to a gate number where you can wait before you get on the plane. When you board, you find
your seat. If you have hand luggage, you can put it under your seat or in the overhead locker above your seat.
When the plane lands you have to wait for it to stop. When the doors are open, you get off the plane and walk through the
terminal building and go to the baggage reclaim. Then you go through the customs.
