The London Underground Tickets and travelcards The doubledecker

• The London Underground • Tickets and travelcards • The double-decker bus • Taxis • Bicycles • Pedestrians • Trains and commuters • Tasks

THE LONDON UNDERGROUND When you arrive at Heathrow airport, the quickest way to get to the centre of London is by train Heathrow Express or by the underground (the Tube). This sign shows the entrance to a station on the London Underground.

The price of a ticket depends on the distance you travel to and the time of day. There are 6 zones. When you travel out of zone 1, which is the central zone, you pay more. So, one journey costs £ 4 -6. TICKETS AND TRAVELCARDS A Travelcard is a one-day ticket on London transport. You can use the same travelcard on any bus and the Tube for as many journeys as you like all day. A daily travelcard is cheaper if you buy it after 9. 30 a. m. when the morning rush hour is over (off-peak).

Look at the daily travelcard 1. When was it used? 2. What time was it bought? 3. How much did it cost? 4. What zones was it used in?

THE DOUBLE-DECKER BUS Most London buses are red. They are not as popular as the Tube because they get stuck in traffic. But they go everywhere.

TAXIS London taxis are often called black cabs. Taxis are expensive but good if there is a group of 3 or 4 of you. Taxi-drivers, or cabbies, are proud of their knowledge of London. They spend up to 4 years learning the best routes before they get their license.

BICYCLES There are many cyclists on the roads in London. Cycling can be unhealthy. Some cyclists wear masks to protect themselves from the exhaust fumes. Is cycling encouraged in Moscow? In what ways? PEDESTRIANS Cars in Britain drive on the left. Be careful when crossing the road. Sings under your feet remind you where to look before stepping on the road.

TRAINS AND COMMUTERS One million people commute into central London every day. They travel by train, Tube or bus from the suburbs into the city centre to work. These people are commuters. 40% of these people use trains. Train tickets are expensive but this form of transport is a fast and environmentally friendly alternative to using a car.

Task 1 True (T) or False (F)? 1. The London Underground is also called the metro. 2. A black cab is a London taxi. 3. A travelcard is a one-day ticket on London transport. 4. Buses in London are faster than trains. 5. You can buy a travelcard at any time of the day. 6. Three is the maximum number of passengers allowed in one taxi. 7. The rush hour is the busiest time to travel. 8. A double-decker is a bus with two levels. 9. Zone 4 on London Underground is in Central London. 10. A commuter is someone who likes trains. 11. A cabbie is the driver of a London taxi.

Task 2 Answer the questions. 1. How many different forms of public transport can you use to get around in town? 2. Which forms of transport are best/worst for the environment? 3. Give examples of any problems you have getting around in Moscow.

The presentation was prepared by Angelina Cheremisina, teacher of English, school No 590, Moscow