[English 101] BUS COMMUTE - Vocabulary for public transport and directions

Teaching Material

Welcome to the ‘Vocabulary for Public Transport and Directions’ lesson! Below, you’ll find 101 essential words to help you confidently manage bus commutes, from discussing routes and schedules to handling everyday travel scenarios.

He walked down the aisle to find a free seat.

aisle (noun) - A walkway between rows of seats on a bus or other vehicle
Use 'aisle' when referring to the space people use to move to or from their seats on a bus. Commonly used in public transport or airplanes.
A: Excuse me, can I get past? B: Sure, I'll move into the aisle.
corridor - Use 'corridor' in contexts like trains or buildings, where a more enclosed passage is present.

They made an announcement about route delays due to road construction.

announcement (noun) - A public or official statement given over a loudspeaker or display
Use ‘announcement’ for important information broadcasted on public transit. Listen carefully to avoid missing route changes.
A: Did you hear the announcement about switching buses? B: Yes, we have to get off at the next stop.
notice - Use ‘notice’ if it's specifically a written or posted piece of information rather than a spoken one.

He checked the transit app-sentence-cls text-decoration-underline fw-bold bg-info text-dark p-1">app to see when the next bus would arrive.

app (noun) - A software application, often on a phone, used to track or manage bus schedules
Use ‘app’ in daily conversations about mobile tools. Helpful for real-time bus schedules, route planning, or ticket purchases.
A: Which app do you use for bus updates? B: I use the city's official transit app, it’s pretty accurate.
application - Use ‘application’ in formal contexts or in workplace settings discussing software solutions.

The posted arrival time is 8:15 AM, but the bus might be late.

arrival (noun) - The act or time of coming to a destination
Use ‘arrival’ to talk about when the bus will come. Common in questions about timetables or punctuality.
A: What’s the next bus arrival? B: It should be here in five minutes, according to the schedule.
coming - Use ‘coming’ casually when speaking about an approaching bus, though ‘arrival’ is more specific.

We will arrive at the central station in about 20 minutes.

arrive (verb) - To reach a place at the end of a journey
Use ‘arrive’ when discussing travel plans or schedules. Often paired with ‘at’ or ‘in’ to specify destinations.
A: What time do we arrive at the last stop? B: Around 9:30, if there are no delays.
get in - Use ‘get in’ casually, often with an exact time or place. E.g., ‘We get in at 7 PM.’

Boarding started five minutes ago, so the bus might leave soon.

boarding (noun) - The process of getting on a bus or vehicle
Use ‘boarding’ to describe when passengers step onto the bus. Listen for announcements about when it begins or ends.
A: Is boarding finished? B: Not yet, we still have some passengers coming aboard.
embarking - Use ‘embarking’ in formal contexts or for travel by ships, planes, or long-distance buses.

The bus driver hit the brake suddenly to avoid an accident.

brake (noun) - A device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle
Use ‘brake’ in contexts of sudden stops or safety measures. It can also be used as a verb: 'to brake'.
A: Why did we jerk forward? B: The driver slammed on the brake at the red light.
emergency brake - Use ‘emergency brake’ when referencing the fail-safe mechanism or quick-stop lever in some buses or trains.

The bus lane helps drivers avoid traffic in congested areas.

bus lane (noun) - A lane on the road reserved primarily for buses
Use ‘bus lane’ to explain special road sections for public transport. It helps speed up commutes and reduce congestion.
A: Why are we moving so fast? B: We’re in the dedicated bus lane, so there's less traffic.
priority lane - Use ‘priority lane’ when referencing any special-access road lanes, beyond just buses.

She uses a monthly bus pass to save on daily fares.

bus pass (noun) - A card or ticket that allows unlimited or multiple rides within a certain period
Use ‘bus pass’ for convenient payment over multiple rides. Commonly monthly, weekly, or student passes available.
A: Did you renew your bus pass yet? B: Not yet, I’ll do it before it expires tomorrow.
travel card - Use ‘travel card’ to describe a more universal pass that might work on buses, trains, or subways.

He stood under the bus shelter when it started raining.

bus shelter (noun) - A small covered structure at a bus stop for waiting passengers
Use ‘bus shelter’ to refer to covered waiting areas, helpful for protection from bad weather.
A: It’s pouring outside. B: Let’s wait in the bus shelter until our ride arrives.
stand - Use ‘stand’ (or 'bus stand') when referencing an uncovered waiting point, commonly used in various regions.

The bus stand near my house has multiple routes passing by.

bus stand (noun) - A designated place where buses stop for passengers to board or alight
Use ‘bus stand’ interchangeably with ‘bus stop’ in many regions, though usage varies by local language norms.
A: Where’s the nearest bus stand? B: It's on the next block, across from the pharmacy.
stop - Use ‘stop’ as the most general term for any place a bus or other transport halts.

She tapped her travel card on the card reader to pay the fare.

card reader (noun) - A device on buses used to scan or tap payment cards
Use ‘card reader’ in contexts of electronic payment on buses or trains. It’s a modern alternative to cash tickets.
A: Why didn’t it beep? B: Try holding your card to the reader a bit longer.
validator - Use ‘validator’ when referencing older machines that punch or stamp paper tickets, or confirm digital passes.

He couldn't board because the driver didn't have enough change for a $20 bill.

change (noun) - Coins returned after paying more than the exact fare, or the act of substituting one method for another
Use ‘change’ when you need smaller denominations or coins for bus fare. Always check if drivers provide change.
A: Do you have exact change for the bus? B: No, I only have big bills.
coins - Use ‘coins’ to specify physical currency if exact fare is needed or to differentiate from bills.

The downtown circulator helps visitors move between main attractions easily.

circulator (noun) - A local bus that runs on a short loop route, often in city centers
Use ‘circulator’ for a convenient, sometimes free, short-route bus designed for quick hop-on-hop-off in busy areas.
A: Is the circulator free? B: Yes, it’s a complimentary service in the city center.
shuttle - Use ‘shuttle’ to describe a dedicated service for specific routes like airports or campuses.

His bus commute takes about 40 minutes each morning.

commute (noun) - Regular travel between one's home and place of work or school
Use ‘commute’ to describe daily or frequent traveling for work or study. Common in city life or suburban areas.
A: How’s your commute these days? B: It’s not too bad if I catch the early bus.
travel - Use ‘travel’ for general movement, not necessarily repetitive or work-related.

The city added extra buses to accommodate the growing number of commuters.

commuter (noun) - A person who travels regularly between home and work or school
Use ‘commuter’ when talking about people who make the same trip often. Common in urban or suburban contexts.
A: Are you a regular commuter? B: Yes, I take the bus daily to my office.
passenger - Use ‘passenger’ for anyone using transport, whether commuting or simply traveling.

On older buses, a conductor would walk around to issue tickets.

conductor (noun) - A person on a bus or train who collects fares or checks tickets (less common now)
Use ‘conductor’ mainly in historical or certain regional services. Many modern buses use drivers or automated payment systems.
A: Did the conductor check your pass? B: Yes, he stamped it when I boarded.
ticket inspector - Use ‘ticket inspector’ in contexts where a person specifically verifies passenger fares, especially in trains or trams.

The bus route changed due to construction on Main Street.

construction (noun) - Work involved in building or repairing roads, often causing delays or detours
Use ‘construction’ to refer to road or building works that can impact traffic and bus schedules. Watch for detour signs.
A: Why is the bus late? B: There's construction blocking our usual lane.
roadwork - Use ‘roadwork’ specifically for street or highway maintenance, commonly associated with delayed travel times.

There’s heavy congestion today, so the bus is running behind schedule.

congestion (noun) - Crowded or blocked traffic, causing slower movement
Use ‘congestion’ to describe traffic buildup. It’s common in urban areas during peak times, leading to bus delays.
A: Why is it taking so long? B: Rush hour congestion on the main road slows everything down.
gridlock - Use ‘gridlock’ for extreme congestion situations, often in big cities during rush hours or accidents.

The bus is usually crowded during morning rush hour.

crowded (adjective) - Full of people or filled to capacity
Use ‘crowded’ when describing a bus with limited seating or standing room. Common in commuter hotspots or busy times.
A: Do you mind standing? B: It’s okay, buses are always crowded at this time.
packed - Use ‘packed’ in casual conversation to emphasize extremely tight space.

The bus pulls up to the curb so passengers can step on safely.

curb (noun) - The edge of a sidewalk where it meets the road
Use ‘curb’ for describing pickup or drop-off points on city streets. Useful when giving bus stop directions.
A: Wait by the curb so the driver can see you. B: Got it, I’ll stand right there.
kerb - Use ‘kerb’ in regions using British spelling; it’s the same concept as ‘curb.’

Due to an accident ahead, there’s a 20-minute delay for buses on this route.

delay (noun) - A period of time by which something is late or postponed
Use ‘delay’ to talk about any schedule disruption or lateness in public transport. Important in planning arrival times.
A: Why is our bus still not here? B: They announced a delay because of heavy traffic.
holdup - Use ‘holdup’ casually to express frustration or casual mention of why things are taking longer.

The next bus departs from platform 2 at 8:00 AM.

depart (verb) - To leave, especially a transport vehicle leaving a station or stop
Use ‘depart’ for official or formal timetables. Often paired with ‘from’ plus location or ‘at’ plus time.
A: What time does this bus depart? B: It’s scheduled to leave in five minutes, so we should hurry.
leave - Use ‘leave’ in casual speech, e.g., ‘The bus leaves in 10 minutes, let’s get on board.’

His final destination is the central bus terminal.

destination (noun) - The place to which someone or something is going or being sent
Use ‘destination’ to specify where you want to go. Commonly asked by drivers or fellow passengers for clarity.
A: What’s your destination today? B: I’m heading to the main library, about 10 stops away.
endpoint - Use ‘endpoint’ in a more technical or route-based context, typically in schedules or GPS directions.

The bus took a detour around the closed bridge.

detour (noun) - A route different from the ordinary one due to road closures or other issues
Use ‘detour’ when the bus must follow an alternative path. Listen for announcements about changes to your normal route.
A: Why are we going this way? B: There's a construction detour on our usual route.
reroute - Use ‘reroute’ when describing the action of changing a path mid-journey due to unforeseen issues.

She asked the driver for direction to the downtown stop.

direction (noun) - A course along which someone or something moves; also guidance or instruction
Use ‘direction’ to talk about instructions for reaching places or the way a bus route runs (e.g., northbound, eastbound).
A: Could you give me direction to Central Park? B: Sure, take this bus heading north and get off at 5th Avenue.
guidance - Use ‘guidance’ in broader contexts, such as life advice or more detailed route help.

Please wait for a full stop before you disembark from the bus.

disembark (verb) - To leave a bus, train, or other vehicle
Use ‘disembark’ in more formal contexts or instructions about exiting a vehicle. Common in travel advisories.
A: Where should we disembark for the museum? B: The next stop is closest, just ring the bell.
get off - Use ‘get off’ casually, especially for daily commutes or casual speech.

The driver announced that the bus would be slightly delayed.

driver (noun) - The person controlling the bus or other vehicle
Use ‘driver’ for the individual operating the bus. Basic term for daily commute references or requests.
A: Can the driver give me change? B: It depends on the service policy, but often they can’t.
operator - Use ‘operator’ in more formal contexts or official documentation, often referencing a public transit employee.

This bus requires exact fare, so bring small bills or coins.

exact fare (noun phrase) - The precise amount of money required to ride, with no change given
Use ‘exact fare’ when you must pay the precise cost of the ticket. Common in many local transit systems.
A: Do we need exact fare? B: Yes, the driver won’t give change, so have the right amount ready.
correct change - Use ‘correct change’ to emphasize having the appropriate coin or bill combination for the fare.

He catches the express bus to reach downtown more quickly.

express bus (noun) - A bus service that makes fewer stops and is faster on certain routes
Use ‘express bus’ for quicker routes with fewer stops, ideal for commuters traveling longer distances.
A: Why skip that bus? B: I prefer the express bus; it only stops twice before my office.
limited-stop - Use ‘limited-stop’ to describe a route with some, but not many, halts compared to a standard bus.

The fare for a single ride is $2.50.

fare (noun) - The money a passenger pays to ride a bus or other transportation
Use ‘fare’ to discuss ticket prices, payment methods, or comparing costs between different transport options.
A: How much is the fare to the city center? B: It’s a flat fee, so just pay $3.
ticket price - Use ‘ticket price’ more generally for any mode of transport, not just bus.

He took the feeder bus from his neighborhood to reach the main station.

feeder bus (noun) - A local bus that connects smaller areas to main transit lines or hubs
Use ‘feeder bus’ to explain short routes designed to link outlying districts with major public transport lines.
A: Is there a direct bus to the station? B: No, you’ll need to catch the feeder bus first, then transfer.
shuttle - Use ‘shuttle’ if it specifically runs back and forth between two points (e.g., from a park-and-ride lot).

Passengers usually enter through the front door to pay their fare.

front door (noun phrase) - The main entrance at the front of a bus
Use ‘front door’ to specify the primary entrance of a standard bus, commonly used for boarding and fare payment.
A: Should I get on through the front door? B: Yes, that’s where the card reader is located.
front entrance - Use ‘front entrance’ interchangeably but note official signage may say ‘front door.’

The bus is equipped with GPS to provide accurate arrival times.

GPS (noun (acronym)) - Global Positioning System; helps track location or navigate routes
Use ‘GPS’ in modern travel contexts. Many buses use GPS to display next stops and estimated arrival times.
A: How does the app know where the bus is? B: It uses GPS signals to update the location in real time.
navigation system - Use ‘navigation system’ for a more general term; could include GPS or other technologies.

She gripped the handrail to avoid falling when the bus turned.

handrail (noun) - A rail you can hold onto for support while standing or moving in a bus
Use ‘handrail’ when referring to safety features for standing passengers. Essential for stability on public transport.
A: Need a seat? B: No, I'm fine holding the handrail in the aisle.
grab bar - Use ‘grab bar’ if referencing additional or horizontal handles for passenger support in vehicles.

He took the inbound bus toward downtown in the morning.

inbound (adjective) - Traveling toward a central point or city center
Use ‘inbound’ for buses heading to the main part of a city or a central terminal. Often paired with ‘outbound.’
A: Which direction is this bus going? B: This is inbound, heading into the city.
towards the city - Use ‘towards the city’ in casual conversation when describing the bus’s direction to a friend.

You should get off at the intersection of Main and 2nd Street.

intersection (noun) - A point where two or more roads cross or meet
Use ‘intersection’ to give precise directions. Often used in describing bus stop locations or route changes.
A: Is the bus stop near the intersection? B: Yes, it’s right on the corner where the roads cross.
junction - Use ‘junction’ in a more formal or map-based context, sometimes for larger multi-road connections.

The lane closure caused the bus to detour this morning.

lane closure (noun phrase) - When a traffic lane is temporarily shut down, often for maintenance or accidents
Use ‘lane closure’ to explain why traffic slows or a route changes. It can create delays or detours in bus schedules.
A: Why is traffic so heavy? B: There’s a lane closure on 5th Avenue due to some repairs.
blocked lane - Use ‘blocked lane’ for casual reference to any obstruction that prevents normal traffic flow.

He prefers the local bus when he needs flexibility to hop on and off at multiple stops.

local bus (noun) - A standard bus service that stops frequently, serving a specific area
Use ‘local bus’ for a route with frequent stops in a neighborhood or city, ideal for short-distance travel.
A: Why not the express bus? B: I want the local bus because I need to stop near the grocery store.
all-stop bus - Use ‘all-stop bus’ to emphasize that it does not skip any stops, as opposed to limited or express services.

He checked the bus route map to find the nearest stop.

map (noun) - A visual representation of an area showing routes, stops, or geographic features
Use ‘map’ when referring to paper or digital representations to guide you on bus routes and city layouts.
A: Could I see the route map? B: Sure, there’s one posted near the bus stop sign.
diagram - Use ‘diagram’ if referencing a more abstract route layout, often seen in train or metro guides.

Buying a monthly pass can save regular commuters a lot of money.

monthly pass (noun) - A ticket allowing unlimited rides for one month on specified services
Use ‘monthly pass’ if you frequently travel the same route; it's usually cheaper than paying per ride.
A: How much is a monthly pass? B: It's $50, but you can ride unlimited times.
season ticket - Use ‘season ticket’ in certain regions or for longer durations (e.g., quarterly, yearly).

She used her phone to navigate to the correct bus stop.

navigate (verb) - To plan and direct the route or course of a journey
Use ‘navigate’ in any context of finding or planning a route. Common with digital maps or instructions.
A: How do I navigate this new route? B: Check the official transit app or follow the posted signs.
find your way - Use ‘find your way’ casually when offering or seeking directions without technical details.

Fares are sometimes cheaper during off-peak hours.

off-peak (adjective) - A time when demand is lower, and public transport is less crowded
Use ‘off-peak’ for less busy times like mid-morning or early afternoon. Often means quicker rides and cheaper fares in some cities.
A: The bus is emptier now. B: Yes, it's off-peak time, so fewer people ride.
non-rush hour - Use ‘non-rush hour’ in casual conversation to emphasize fewer crowds.

He takes the outbound bus in the evening to return to the suburbs.

outbound (adjective) - Moving away from a central point or city center
Use ‘outbound’ for buses traveling out of the city center. Important to confirm you’re heading in the right direction.
A: Is this bus inbound or outbound? B: Outbound, heading away from downtown.
away from city - Use ‘away from city’ if talking casually about a bus direction without formal route terms.

The bus route includes an overpass that crosses the highway.

overpass (noun) - A bridge that carries one road or railway line over another
Use ‘overpass’ for raised roadways or walkways, commonly part of highways or busy intersections where buses travel.
A: Why are we going up this ramp? B: We’re on the overpass to skip the traffic below.
flyover - Use ‘flyover’ in regions that commonly adopt British terminology or for referencing large elevated highway sections.

He leaves his car at the park-and-ride and takes the bus into the city.

park-and-ride (noun) - A facility where commuters can park their cars and transfer to public transport
Use ‘park-and-ride’ to discuss combined driving and transit solutions, easing congestion in city centers.
A: Is there a park-and-ride nearby? B: Yes, about a mile off the highway exit.
carpool lot - Use ‘carpool lot’ if referencing dedicated spaces for ridesharing or forming carpool groups.

She showed her pass to the driver as she boarded.

pass (noun) - A prepaid card or ticket allowing bus travel (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)
Use ‘pass’ when discussing an all-in-one ticket for bus rides, covering various durations or zones.
A: Do you have a valid pass? B: Yes, it’s good until the end of the month.
permit - Use ‘permit’ in formal contexts, such as special parking or government-related transport authorizations.

He avoids traveling during peak hours to skip long lines.

peak hours (noun phrase) - Times of day when traffic is heaviest and public transport is most crowded
Use ‘peak hours’ or ‘rush hour’ for describing those busy times, typically morning and late afternoon on weekdays.
A: Why is the bus so full? B: It’s peak hours, everyone’s heading to work.
rush hour - Use ‘rush hour’ to emphasize high congestion, especially in everyday speech.

Watch out for pedestrians crossing near the bus stop.

pedestrian (noun) - A person walking rather than traveling in a vehicle
Use ‘pedestrian’ in safety contexts or traffic discussions. Often relevant around bus stops and crosswalks.
A: Why did we stop so suddenly? B: A pedestrian ran across the street unexpectedly.
walker - Use ‘walker’ colloquially, not as formal as ‘pedestrian.’

The bus to the airport departs from platform 3.

platform (noun) - A raised area for waiting or boarding, often in major bus or train stations
Use ‘platform’ when discussing stations with designated boarding areas, more common in large terminals or rail stations.
A: Where do I wait for the city bus? B: Head to platform 2 in the terminal.
bay - Use ‘bay’ to refer to a specifically numbered or labeled area where a bus stops within a station.

She held onto the pole when no seats were available.

pole (noun) - A vertical metal bar inside a bus for passengers to hold onto
Use ‘pole’ or ‘hand pole’ for stability during a bus ride. It’s essential for standing passengers in busy buses.
A: How do you keep your balance? B: I just grab this pole and stand with my feet apart.
bar - Use ‘bar’ if referencing overhead or side rails for balance, slightly broader than ‘pole.’

He buys a prepaid bus card so he doesn't need cash every ride.

prepaid (adjective) - Paid for in advance, often referring to bus fares or travel cards
Use ‘prepaid’ when referencing tickets or cards you pay for before boarding. Speeds up travel and often offers discounts.
A: Do I need exact fare? B: Not if you have a prepaid card; just tap and go.
advance purchase - Use ‘advance purchase’ for any travel-related product (e.g., bus pass or train ticket) bought early.

Please leave the priority seat available for those who need it more.

priority seat (noun phrase) - A seat reserved for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers
Use ‘priority seat’ in courtesy contexts. Often labeled with signs or colored differently on buses and trains.
A: Should I sit here? B: That’s a priority seat, so check if anyone else requires it first.
reserved seat - Use ‘reserved seat’ more generally, not strictly for accessibility but could be for ticket holders or special categories.

Passengers formed a queue at the bus stop to board in an orderly manner.

queue (noun) - A line of people waiting for something, particularly boarding a bus
Use ‘queue’ (British English) or ‘line’ (American English) to discuss people waiting for public transport. Common courtesy is to wait your turn.
A: Is this the queue for the 9A bus? B: Yes, we’re all headed downtown.
line - Use ‘line’ commonly in American English to reference the same concept as ‘queue.’

Many riders exit through the rear door to speed up boarding at the front.

rear door (noun phrase) - The back entrance/exit of a bus
Use ‘rear door’ for specifying exit points on a bus, often used in busy routes so passengers can leave quickly.
A: Can I exit through the rear door? B: Yes, once the bus stops and the light goes green.
back exit - Use ‘back exit’ casually when telling someone which door to use to leave the bus.

Remember this is a request stop; press the button if you want to get off.

request stop (noun phrase) - A stop where the bus halts only if a passenger signals or requests
Use ‘request stop’ for smaller or less busy places where the bus only pulls over if signaled. Common in rural or off-peak routes.
A: Does the bus stop here automatically? B: No, it’s a request stop, so ring the bell.
flag stop - Use ‘flag stop’ in certain regions for the same concept—waving or signaling so the bus driver knows to halt.

The bus ride to campus takes about 15 minutes.

ride (noun) - An act of traveling in a vehicle, especially as a passenger
Use ‘ride’ broadly for any journey on a bus or car. Casual way to mention traveling from one place to another.
A: Can I hitch a ride with you on the bus? B: Sure, it’s free if you have your student pass.
trip - Use ‘trip’ for a more neutral term covering various types of travel, not just daily commutes.

The driver lowered the ramp to help a passenger with a wheelchair board.

ramp (noun) - A sloped surface for easier access, often for wheelchairs or strollers
Use ‘ramp’ to discuss accessibility features, especially for those with mobility devices or strollers.
A: Do all buses have a ramp? B: Most modern ones do, to ensure accessibility.
incline - Use ‘incline’ more generally for any sloped surface, not necessarily a mechanical device like a bus ramp.

The driver checked the rearview mirror before merging into traffic.

rearview mirror (noun phrase) - A mirror enabling the driver to see behind the bus or inside the cabin
Use ‘rearview mirror’ when talking about driver visibility or safety checks. Vital for safe lane changes.
A: Why is the driver looking up? B: He’s using the rearview mirror to check for approaching cars.
side mirror - Use ‘side mirror’ to specify the mirrors on the exterior sides of the bus.

He checked the bus route on the map to avoid any confusion.

route (noun) - A way or course taken to get from one place to another
Use ‘route’ to specify which path or line the bus follows. Often has a number or name in city systems.
A: Which route goes to the stadium? B: Take Route 15, it’s a direct line.
line - Use ‘line’ interchangeably with ‘route,’ especially in big cities that number or label each service.

Buses can get very crowded during rush hour.

rush hour (noun phrase) - A time of day when most people travel to or from work or school
Use ‘rush hour’ to describe the busiest travel periods in the morning and evening. Expect delays or crowding.
A: Why is the bus stop jam-packed? B: It’s rush hour, everyone’s heading home.
peak hours - Use ‘peak hours’ for a slightly more formal or broad term than ‘rush hour.’

He checked the bus schedule online to plan his morning commute.

schedule (noun) - A plan for when buses or other services are supposed to operate
Use ‘schedule’ for timetables, showing departure and arrival times. Essential for punctual commuting.
A: What’s the schedule like today? B: The buses run every 15 minutes until noon.
timetable - Use ‘timetable’ especially in British English or more formal contexts referencing detailed transit times.

She found a free seat near the window.

seat (noun) - A place for a passenger to sit on the bus
Use ‘seat’ for finding a sitting spot on public transport. Priority seats may be reserved for certain passengers.
A: Any seats left on the bus? B: There’s one in the back if you hurry.
spot - Use ‘spot’ casually, e.g., ‘There’s a spot up front next to the door.’

She got a self-service ticket at the kiosk before the bus arrived.

self-service ticket (noun phrase) - A ticket purchased from a machine without staff assistance
Use ‘self-service ticket’ to describe modern vending machines or kiosks at stations. Common for speed and convenience.
A: Do they sell tickets on board? B: No, you have to use the self-service ticket machine outside.
automated ticket - Use ‘automated ticket’ interchangeably, focusing on the machine-based purchase process.

The morning driver ended his shift, and a new driver took over the bus.

shift (noun) - A scheduled period of work for a driver or employee; can also mean a change in direction
Use ‘shift’ to describe work sessions or transitions between drivers. Common in bus or transit staff scheduling.
A: Why did the bus stop for so long? B: The drivers are switching shifts right now.
duty period - Use ‘duty period’ in more formal or administrative contexts, not as common in everyday speech.

The driver took a shortcut through side streets to avoid traffic.

shortcut (noun) - A shorter or quicker route to get somewhere
Use ‘shortcut’ when discussing an alternative route that reduces travel time, though not always a standard bus route.
A: Are we on the usual path? B: No, we’re on a shortcut to skip the main road congestion.
bypass - Use ‘bypass’ when referencing a designed road segment meant to divert traffic from busy areas.

They offer a free shuttle between the airport and the nearby hotel.

shuttle (noun) - A vehicle that travels back and forth on a short or specialized route
Use ‘shuttle’ for short-run services, like connecting airports, hotels, or campuses. Often simpler routes than regular buses.
A: Is there a shuttle to the train station? B: Yes, it leaves every 30 minutes from the parking lot.
courtesy bus - Use ‘courtesy bus’ if referencing a free service specifically aimed at customer convenience.

The bus stop sign lists the routes that pass through here.

sign (noun) - A board or notice giving information or instructions about bus stops, routes, or policies
Use ‘sign’ to talk about posted notices or route markers at stops. Essential for verifying you’re waiting in the correct location.
A: Is this the right stop? B: Check the sign; it should say route 45 if we’re in the right spot.
indicator - Use ‘indicator’ for more automated or digital displays that show real-time info, not just static text.

She got off two stops early by mistake.

stop (noun) - A designated place where buses halt for passengers to get on or off
Use ‘stop’ to reference any place the bus officially halts. Pair with route name or location for clarity.
A: How many stops until the college? B: About three more, watch for the sign or announcement.
station - Use ‘station’ when referencing bigger hubs with multiple routes or passenger amenities.

He pulled the cord to make a stop request before his destination.

stop request (noun phrase) - A signal to the driver indicating a passenger wants to disembark at the next stop
Use ‘stop request’ for the action or indicator that signals you want off. Common on buses with cords or buttons.
A: Did you make a stop request? B: Yes, I pressed the button, so the driver knows to stop.
bell push - Use ‘bell push’ in some regions for the device that you press to request a stop.

He usually takes the subway, but sometimes he’ll catch the bus on weekends.

subway (noun) - An underground electric railroad system, also known as a metro in some regions
Use ‘subway’ to compare or plan multi-modal trips if the city offers both bus and underground rail services.
A: Is the subway faster? B: It can be, but if you live far from a station, the bus might be more convenient.
metro - Use ‘metro’ if traveling in Europe, Asia, or cities calling their subway system a metro.

The bus arrives at the city terminal and parks there overnight.

terminal (noun) - A main station where bus routes begin, end, or connect
Use ‘terminal’ for major transport hubs with multiple routes, ticket counters, waiting areas, or rest facilities.
A: Where do I catch the express bus? B: Head to the main terminal and look for Gate 4.
station - Use ‘station’ interchangeably with ‘terminal,’ especially in smaller towns or simpler transport networks.

She bought a one-day ticket for unlimited rides around the city.

ticket (noun) - A printed or digital pass indicating fare payment for a bus ride
Use ‘ticket’ to discuss purchasing single or multiple trips. Often digital or paper, depending on the transit system.
A: Where can I buy a ticket? B: From the machine or directly from the driver if you have exact change.
stub - Use ‘stub’ casually for the portion you retain after a ticket is torn or validated, common in older systems.

Good timing can help you catch the bus right when it arrives.

timing (noun) - The choice, judgment, or control of when something should be done
Use ‘timing’ to talk about planning or luck in coordinating with the bus schedule. Helps avoid long waits.
A: How was your timing this morning? B: Perfect! I stepped out just as the bus pulled up.
punctuality - Use ‘punctuality’ when stressing the importance of arriving exactly according to schedule.

Heavy traffic caused the bus to arrive 15 minutes late.

traffic (noun) - Vehicles moving on a road or public highway
Use ‘traffic’ to describe road congestion affecting bus travel. Key factor in journey times, especially in big cities.
A: Why are we stuck here? B: Traffic is backed up due to an accident up ahead.
jam - Use ‘jam’ informally to express severe traffic problems, e.g., 'We’re in a jam right now.'

She made a transfer at the central station to reach her final destination.

transfer (noun) - Switching from one bus or route to another during a journey
Use ‘transfer’ to indicate changing vehicles. Some systems have free or discounted transfers within a set time.
A: Do I need to pay again if I transfer? B: If you have a transfer ticket, you won’t be charged twice.
connection - Use ‘connection’ if you’re referencing linking routes or lines, more common in larger transit networks.

The city’s public transit includes buses, subways, and trams.

transit (noun) - The system or process of transporting people from one place to another
Use ‘transit’ to talk broadly about public transportation infrastructure or systems, including buses and trains.
A: How do you get around here? B: I rely on public transit most of the time.
transport - Use ‘transport’ interchangeably with ‘transit,’ though it can also apply to personal vehicles or freight.

The transport authority sets the bus schedules and maintains the vehicles.

transport authority (noun phrase) - The government agency or organization overseeing public buses and other transit
Use ‘transport authority’ for official references to the body managing public transport. They handle routes, fares, and regulations.
A: Where can I send feedback about late buses? B: Try emailing the transport authority; they handle complaints.
transit agency - Use ‘transit agency’ especially in American English or in big city contexts, same concept as ‘transport authority.’

With this pass, you get unlimited rides for the whole weekend.

unlimited rides (noun phrase) - A transport pass that allows multiple uses within a certain time frame
Use ‘unlimited rides’ to describe special deals that let you travel as much as you want. Great for tourists or busy commutes.
A: Should I get single tickets? B: If you’re traveling a lot, unlimited rides might be cheaper.
all-day pass - Use ‘all-day pass’ for shorter time frames, typically a single day with no ride limit.

This bus is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp and priority seating.

wheelchair accessible (adjective phrase) - Designed or equipped to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs
Use ‘wheelchair accessible’ to highlight inclusive design or features for those with mobility challenges. Common in modern fleets.
A: Can my friend with a wheelchair board easily? B: Yes, the bus is wheelchair accessible.
ADA-compliant - Use ‘ADA-compliant’ in US contexts to reference legal standards for accessibility.

They offer free WiFi on the express bus for commuters.

WiFi (noun (acronym)) - Wireless internet access available on some buses
Use ‘WiFi’ when discussing internet availability on modern buses. Great for working or browsing during commutes.
A: Does this bus have WiFi? B: Yes, just connect and accept the terms in your browser.
hotspot - Use ‘hotspot’ if referencing personal or shared connectivity points, not always bus-provided.

His ticket covers multiple zones, so he can travel further without paying extra.

zone (noun) - A specific area or region in a city used for determining bus fares or routes
Use ‘zone’ in transit systems that charge based on distance or region. Common in big metropolitan areas with ringed fare systems.
A: Which zone is the airport in? B: It’s in Zone 3, so a standard pass won't cover it.
fare zone - Use ‘fare zone’ to focus on the cost aspect of traveling between different parts of a city.

[English 101] BUS COMMUTE - Vocabulary for public transport and directions

Lesson Introduction

Teaching Material

Lesson Summary