Onboard: Asking for Specific Stop Information
A passenger on a bus or train asks the driver or another passenger to be notified when their desired stop is approaching or if a certain stop is coming up.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
approaching
Means getting closer to something, like a stop on a bus or train. Use it when you want to know when a place is near, e.g., 'The stop is approaching.'
wave
To move your hand up and down to get attention, like signaling to someone. In transit, say 'Give me a wave' to ask for a simple signal.
route
The path or line a bus or train follows. Useful for asking about travel paths, e.g., 'What's the route to the airport?'
heads-up
An informal warning or notice about something coming. In conversations, it means 'thanks for the information ahead of time.'
landmark
A famous or easily seen building or object that helps you recognize a place. Good for directions, e.g., 'The Eiffel Tower is a landmark.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, driver. Could you let me know when we're approaching the City Hall stop?
This is a polite way to ask for help on public transport. 'Excuse me' gets attention, 'Could you' makes a request softly, and 'let me know' means inform me. Use it to ask about upcoming stops.
No problem. Just give me a small wave when it looks like we're getting close.
A friendly response agreeing to help. 'No problem' means it's easy, and 'give me a wave' suggests a simple action. Useful for casual instructions in busy situations like driving.
Okay, thank you! It's my first time on this route.
Expresses agreement and gratitude while sharing personal info. 'It's my first time' explains why you need help. Use this to build conversation and show you're new to a place.
No worries. We're about three stops away from City Hall right now.
Reassures the person not to worry. 'No worries' is casual for 'don't be concerned,' and 'about three stops away' gives location info. Helpful for updating on progress in transit.
Great, thanks again for the heads-up. I appreciate it.
Shows thanks for advance notice. 'Heads-up' means warning, and 'I appreciate it' expresses gratitude. Use after receiving helpful info to be polite.
You're welcome. Just keep an eye out for the big clock tower; that's usually a good landmark for City Hall.
Standard reply to thanks, with extra advice. 'Keep an eye out' means watch for, and it gives a tip using a landmark. Useful for providing directions in conversations.