Commuting to School

Rahul and his mother discuss the best way for him to get to school each day, comparing the school bus, public transport, and cycling.

Meanings in Rahul, Sunita (mother), Bus driver

Key words and phrases

commuteto travel regularly between home and school or workHe commutes to school by bus every day.

school busa bus that takes students to and from schoolThe school bus arrives at eight o'clock.

public transportbuses, trains, or other transport open to everyoneHe takes public transport when the bus is full.

farethe money paid to travel on transportThe bus fare is ten rupees.

bicyclea two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedalingHe rides his bicycle to school on sunny days.

routethe path taken to reach a destinationThe bus follows the same route every day.

trafficvehicles moving on the road, especially when crowdedThere was heavy traffic on the way to school.

punctualarriving or doing something on timeHe tries to be punctual for the school bus.

helmetprotective headgear worn while riding a bikeHe always wears a helmet while cycling.

distancehow far one place is from anotherThe distance to school is about two kilometers.

auto-rickshawa small three-wheeled motor vehicle used for short tripsWe took an auto-rickshaw when we missed the bus.

carpoolto share a car ride with others going the same wayWe carpool with two other families in our lane.

traffic signallights that control the flow of traffic at a junctionThe car stopped at the red traffic signal.

footpatha paved path along a road for people to walk onAlways walk on the footpath, not on the road.

rush hourthe time of day when traffic on the roads is heaviestThe roads are always crowded during rush hour.

bus stopa designated place where a bus picks up or drops passengersHe waits at the bus stop every morning at eight.

seat belta strap that secures a passenger in a vehicle for safetyAlways wear your seat belt when riding in a car.

pedestriana person walking, especially along a streetDrivers should always give way to pedestrians.

zebra crossinga marked path for pedestrians to cross the road safelyCross the road only at the zebra crossing.

traffic jama long line of vehicles unable to move because of congestionWe were stuck in a traffic jam for half an hour.

Useful sentences

Ask How do you usually get to school?
Answer I take the school bus most days.
Ask What is the bus fare from our area?
Answer It's about fifteen rupees each way.
Ask Can I cycle to school instead today?
Answer Sure, but don't forget to wear your helmet.
Ask Is the traffic bad on the way to school?
Answer Sometimes, especially during the morning rush.
Ask What time does the school bus usually arrive?
Answer It arrives at eight o'clock sharp.
Ask Do you carpool with anyone to school?
Answer Yes, I carpool with my neighbor's daughter.
Ask Is there a bus stop near your house?
Answer Yes, it's just two minutes from our gate.
Ask Did you get stuck in a traffic jam this morning?
Answer Yes, it took twenty extra minutes because of it.
Ask Do you always wear your seat belt in the car?
Answer Yes, my father insists on it every time.
Ask Should I cross at the zebra crossing?
Answer Yes, it's much safer than crossing anywhere else.

Dialogue

SunitaRahul, how would you like to get to school this year?

RahulCan I take the school bus, Mom? It's more convenient.

SunitaSure. What's the monthly fare for the school bus?

RahulI think it's around five hundred rupees.

SunitaThat works. Just remember to be punctual every morning.

RahulI will, Mom. I don't want to miss the bus.

SunitaAlso, always wear your seat belt if a friend's parent drops you by car.

RahulI will. And should I cross at the zebra crossing near the gate?

SunitaYes, always use the zebra crossing, not just anywhere on the road.

RahulDon't worry, Mom. I'll be careful with the traffic.

Common mistakes

Saying "I go by walking" instead of "I walk to school" (don't add "by" before "walking").
Saying "Bus fare is fifteen rupees only" using "only" unnecessarily, instead of simply "The bus fare is fifteen rupees."
Saying "I am punctual to bus" instead of "I am punctual for the bus" (use "for," not "to," after "punctual").
Saying "I am waiting bus stop" instead of "I am waiting at the bus stop" (don't drop the preposition "at").
Saying "there traffic jam" instead of "there is a traffic jam" (don't skip "is a").
Saying "I sit in auto" instead of "I take an auto-rickshaw" or "I ride in an auto-rickshaw" (more natural phrasing).

Quick quiz

1. What word means the money paid to travel on transport?

2. Complete: "He always wears a ___ while cycling."

3. What word means arriving or doing something on time?

4. What do you call a small three-wheeled motor vehicle used for short trips?

5. Complete: "Always use the ___, not just anywhere on the road."

6. What word means the time of day when traffic is heaviest?

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