Catching buses, trains and trams: English Listening Practice

Beginner · A1–A2 Episode 11 of 20 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

tap on / tap off touch your card on the reader when you get on and off
fare the price of a trip
platform where you wait for a train
delay when something is late
replacement buses buses used when trains aren't running
peak hour the busiest times for travel
off-peak less busy and often cheaper times

2. Listen to the episode

Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.

3. Check your understanding

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4. Shadow the hosts

Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.

5. Talk about it

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Listening Room, episode 11: Catching buses, trains and trams

Beginner (A1–A2) · englishcoaching.au

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

tap on / tap off: ________________________
fare: ________________________
platform: ________________________
delay: ________________________
replacement buses: ________________________
peak hour: ________________________
off-peak: ________________________

2. Questions

What's the most important rule on public transport?
☐ Sit at the front ☐ Tap on and tap off ☐ Pay in cash
What happens if you forget to tap off?
☐ Nothing ☐ You might pay the highest fare ☐ You get a free trip
How can you ask about the right train?
☐ Which platform for the city? ☐ Where are you? ☐ Is this a train?
When are replacement buses common?
☐ On weekends with track work ☐ Every morning ☐ Never
What is 'peak hour'?
☐ The busiest travel times ☐ Lunchtime ☐ Midnight

3. Talk or write about it

Explain to a new friend how to catch a train or bus in your city, step by step.

Transcript

Mel: Welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Mel.

Josh: I'm Josh. Today: catching public transport in Australia.

Mel: In most cities, you use a card to pay. In Sydney it's Opal, in Melbourne it's Myki, in Brisbane it's go card.

Josh: And in many places you can just tap your bank card or phone.

Mel: The most important rule: tap on when you get on, and tap off when you get off.

Josh: If you forget to tap off, you might pay the highest fare.

Mel: Now, how do you ask for help at the station?

Josh: Easy: 'Excuse me, which platform for the city?' or 'Does this train stop at Central?'

Mel: And on the bus, you can ask the driver, 'Could you tell me when we get to the hospital, please?'

Josh: Drivers are usually happy to help. And say thanks when you get off. Aussies often say 'Thanks, driver!' or 'Cheers!'

Mel: That's a lovely Australian habit.

Josh: What about delays? You might hear an announcement: 'We apologise for the delay. The next train will arrive in ten minutes.'

Mel: Or: 'Trains are not running between Central and Parramatta. Buses are replacing trains.'

Josh: Replacement buses are common on weekends when there's track work.

Mel: Another word: 'peak hour'. That's when trains are very busy, usually seven to nine in the morning and four to six in the afternoon.

Josh: Off-peak travel is often cheaper, too.

Mel: Last tip: give your seat to older people, pregnant women or anyone who needs it.

Josh: Good one. Thanks for riding with us today!

Mel: See you next time!

Answers: 1. Tap on and tap off · 2. You might pay the highest fare · 3. Which platform for the city? · 4. On weekends with track work · 5. The busiest travel times

Frequently asked questions

Is there a transcript for this English listening practice?

Yes. The full transcript is on this page and each line lights up as it's read. You can also print a worksheet with the transcript, questions and answers.

What English level is this episode?

Beginner (about A1–A2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.

Which words will I learn in this episode?

tap on / tap off, fare, platform, delay, replacement buses, peak hour, off-peak. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.