Buying a Ticket or Using a Pass
A passenger needs to purchase a ticket from a vending machine, a ticket counter, or use a transit card/app to board a bus, train, or subway.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
destination
The place you are going to or traveling towards, like a specific stop on public transport.
intuitive
Something easy to understand or use without much instruction, often used for machines or apps.
one-way ticket
A ticket for travel in only one direction, not including the return trip.
day pass
A ticket that allows unlimited travel on public transport for one day, good for multiple trips.
round-trip ticket
A ticket that covers travel to a place and back, saving money compared to two one-way tickets.
value
How much something is worth for the price, often meaning good deal or worthwhile.
dispenses
When a machine gives out or releases something, like a ticket from a vending machine.
prompts
Instructions or messages on a screen that guide you step by step through a process.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm trying to buy a subway ticket, but I'm not sure how this machine works.
This is a polite way to ask for help. Use it when you need assistance with something unfamiliar, like a ticket machine. It starts with 'Excuse me' for politeness and uses 'I'm not sure' to express uncertainty.
What's your destination?
A simple question to ask where someone is going. Useful in travel situations to give directions or sell tickets. It's direct and common in service interactions.
Should I buy a one-way ticket or a day pass?
This asks for advice on choices. Use it when deciding between options, like ticket types. The structure 'Should I... or...?' is great for seeking recommendations.
If you only plan to make one trip there and back, a round-trip ticket would be fine.
This gives conditional advice using 'if' for situations. Helpful for explaining options based on plans. 'Would be fine' softens the suggestion, making it polite.
A day pass is $8. You can select 'Day Pass' on the screen, then choose the number of passes you need, and pay with cash or card.
This explains price and steps clearly. Use it to instruct on processes. It uses imperative verbs like 'select' and 'choose' for guiding actions, and 'or' for alternatives.
Just follow the prompts.
Short instruction to guide someone. Useful for machines or apps. 'Just' makes it reassuring and simple, implying it's easy to do.
Thanks so much for your help!
A grateful response after receiving assistance. Common in service situations. 'Thanks so much' adds emphasis to show appreciation, more than just 'thanks'.
You're welcome! Have a good trip.
Standard reply to thanks, with a well-wish. Use after helping someone. 'Have a good trip' is a polite farewell in travel contexts.