Public transport in a city

Hi Elif, it's me. I'm on my way to work, and I survived my first morning on the Underground! I'm a proper commuter now. Everybody looks very serious, and nobody says a word.

Yesterday I bought a season ticket, because it's cheaper than paying every day. But at the barrier this morning, the gate didn't open. I tried three times! A man behind me sighed very loudly. Then I saw the problem. I was holding my library card.

The train was packed. There was no space at all, but a kind lady said, "Squeeze in here, love." So I squeezed in next to a very large cello. Anyway, I have to go. Wish me luck. Cheers, bye!

Hello, Priya? It's Tom. I'm going to be late, I'm afraid. There's a train strike today, and I forgot. I set off at seven, but the station was closed.

A man in a yellow jacket told me to take the replacement bus. Good idea, but there were two hundred people and one bus. When it finally came, we all squeezed on. Everybody was lovely, to be honest. We even shared biscuits.

Then the driver said, "I think this bus is going to break down." And it did, outside a petrol station. Now I'm stuck on the A64 with fifty strangers and half a packet of custard creams. Can you start the meeting without me? Thanks, you're a star. Bye!

Mate, listen to this. This morning I was racing to the station in the cycle lane, and I saw my train. It was about to pull in. I threw my bike against a wall and ran up the stairs.

A woman with a pushchair was in front of me, so I said, "Sorry, can I get past, please?" She laughed and moved. On the platform, I shouted, "Hold the door!" A man in a suit held it with his foot. I didn't think I could make it, but I jumped in.

Then I remembered. My bike was still against that wall. The train left, and I waved at the station like in a sad film. Now I'm going to work without it.

Hello? Sorry, it's me. Please don't laugh. I fell asleep on the night bus, and everyone always says, "Don't miss your stop." I missed mine, and the next one, and the next one. Now I'm at the terminus. It's a car park with one lamp and a very tired driver.

I asked him, "What's the quickest way to Hackney?" He looked at me for a long time. Then he said, "Love, I'm going home. Hurry up and get off, please." I felt about six years old.

So I'm waiting for a minicab now. The app says four minutes. The driver is called Kevin, and his car is a silver Toyota. If I'm not home in an hour, send help. Or send a snack.

Good morning. A return ticket to York, please. Yes, coming back on Sunday. How much is that? Eighty pounds! Goodness. Well, I'm visiting my grandson, so it's worth every penny.

Is it a direct train? No? So where do I change trains? Doncaster. Right. And I have to be careful, because there's a diversion this weekend. Work on the line. The journey takes an hour longer. That's fine, love, I'm retired. I have all the time in the world. I also have a packed lunch and a very big flask of tea.

Thank you. Oh, one more thing. Which platform is it? Nine? And what time is it now? Ten past ten? Oh no! That's my train. Thank you, bye! Wait, my flask!

Key words