Travel & Culture - Boarding & Exiting Buses

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up)

Let's talk about getting on and off the bus!

Where do you usually get on a bus? (Front, middle, back door?)
What do you need to show or do when you get on a bus?
How do you let the driver know you want to get off at the next stop?

Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary)

Here are some important words and phrases for boarding and exiting buses!

1. Board: To get on the bus.

Example: "Please wait for passengers to exit before you Board."

2. Exit (verb): To get off the bus.

Example: "We need to Exit at the next stop."

3. Farebox: A machine near the driver where you pay your fare with cash or a card.

Example: "Please have your money ready for the Farebox."

4. Ring the bell: To press a button or pull a cord to signal the driver you want to get off.

Example: "Don't forget to Ring the bell before your stop."

5. Hold on: To hold something stable for balance, especially when the bus is moving.

Example: "Please Hold on to the rail when the bus is moving."

Activity 3: Reading - A Smooth Bus Ride 📖

Read this story about a typical bus journey.

Sarah waited patiently for the bus. When it arrived, she let a few people Exit before she stepped up to Board. As she got on, she smiled at the driver and put her coins into the Farebox. She found an empty seat and sat down. The bus started moving, and Sarah made sure to Hold on to the seat in front of her as it turned a corner. She enjoyed looking out the window during her ride. She knew her stop was coming up soon, so she looked for the stop request button.

A few minutes before her stop, Sarah reached up to Ring the bell. A small light came on at the front of the bus, showing the driver that someone wanted to get off. When the bus stopped, Sarah stood up carefully, making sure to Hold on as other passengers were also moving. She walked to the nearest door to Exit. As she stepped off, she said a quick "Thank you" to the driver. Her bus ride was smooth and easy because she knew what to do when boarding and exiting.

Questions about the Story:

Answer these questions:

What did Sarah do before she boarded the bus?
Where did Sarah put her money for the bus ride?
What did Sarah do to ensure she was safe when the bus was moving or stopping?
How did Sarah let the driver know she wanted to get off?
What did Sarah do as she exited the bus?

Activity 4: Role Play - Getting On and Off 🎭

Let's pretend! One person is Marco (New Bus Rider), and the other is Ms. Anya (Experienced Bus Rider).

Marco (New Bus Rider): Excuse me, is this the bus to the city center?

Ms. Anya (Experienced Bus Rider): Yes, it is. Are you about to Board?

Marco (New Bus Rider): Yes. Do I pay at that machine, the Farebox, when I get on?

Ms. Anya (Experienced Bus Rider): That's right. Or you can use a travel card if you have one. Just tap it there. And remember to Hold on once we start moving.

Marco (New Bus Rider): Okay, thank you. How do I know when to Exit for the museum stop?

Ms. Anya (Experienced Bus Rider): The stops are usually announced, or you can watch for the signs. When you hear your stop, or see it coming up, you need to Ring the bell.

Marco (New Bus Rider): Ring the bell? Is it that button on the pole?

Ms. Anya (Experienced Bus Rider): Yes, or sometimes it's a cord you pull. Just do it a little before your stop.

Marco (New Bus Rider): This is very helpful. Thanks for explaining how to Board and Exit properly!

Ms. Anya (Experienced Bus Rider): You're welcome! It gets easier once you do it a few times.

Let's Talk About It:

After you read, talk about this:

What did Ms. Anya tell Marco about paying the fare?
What two things did Ms. Anya advise Marco to do to get off at the right stop?

Activity 5: Let's Practice - Bus Journey Steps ✍️

Help Leo (Passenger) complete his part of the dialogue with the Bus Driver. Use words from Activity 2!

Bus Driver: (Opens door) Good morning! Please step up.

Leo (Passenger): Good morning! I'm ready to . Where is the for my coins?

Bus Driver: Right here next to me, sir. Please have your exact fare if possible.

Leo (Passenger): (Pays fare) Okay, I'm on. I should probably to this pole while the bus is moving.

Bus Driver: Good idea, safety first! Let me know when you need to get off.

Leo (Passenger): My stop is Park Avenue. I'll make sure to before we get there.

Bus Driver: Sounds good. Park Avenue is about three stops away.

Leo (Passenger): (Later) Okay, I think this is my stop. I'm ready to . Thank you!

Bus Driver: You're welcome! Watch your step.

Show Answers! (Activity 5) ✨