London transport

Wherever and whenever possible, and especially for relatively short journeys, visitors are advised to travel on foot. Walking is not only cheaper and more interesting than going by transport, 1 , but it can also be much quicker. However, for those who have to travel, the following information may be of some use.

Buses

London buses are red and are either single- or double-decker. The former are pay-as-you- enter buses, whereby the passenger gives the fare to the driver. Many double-deck buses are also of this type but many other are conductor services, 2 after the passenger has taken a seat. Bus stops are liberally distributed along all main roads, each displaying their time-tables. The buses themselves also clearly display their route numbers and destinations. There are two kinds of bus stops – normal stops and request stops.

Underground

Londonś underground train system is the largest in the world. Nowhere is very far from a „tube“ station and the network is fully linked. Fares vary according to the length of journey. Tickets are obtainable at stations 3 . Passengers whose journeys involve one or more connections should be careful not to dispose of their tickets until their final destination, where 4 .

Taxis

Taxi-cabs can be 5 but can also be the most expensive – especially for one person or two people travelling together (for a group of four or five the cost per head becomes more reasonable). There are taxi-ranks at principal terminals (railway stations and some underground stations) and elsewhere in the city.

Motoring

Motorists are strongly advised not to bring their cars into central London where congestion is already at its peak. Vehicles 6 and journeys continued by bus or Underground. For those who bring their cars into central London, warning should be given about various restrictions imposed: one-way streets, 7 , vehicle width restriction roads, parking metres and permit-only parking areas.

                                                                                                                             (R. Hammond, London in Your Pocket)

Reading comprehention:

1. Gapped text.

Seven sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A-H the ones which fit each gap (1-7). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

A should be parked in the suburbs

B fares being given to a conductor

C their tickets should be handed in

D allowing you to appreciate the surroundings more

E the speediest means of transport

F buses-only lines, no-stopping zones

G either from ticket offices or from automatic machines

H the cheapest means of transport

2. Retell the text. Talk about advantages and disadvantages of every mentioned means of transport.