Learning English

Finn      

Hello, I'm Finn and I'm here at Oxford Circus station. As you can hear, it's quite busy because it's the middle of the rush hour and thousands of tired commuters are on their way home after a long day at work.  I'm going to speak to a few of them to find out more about what it's really like to be a commuter in London. Listen very carefully because there's a quiz coming up soon.

OK, we're standing here At Oxford Circus in the rain. I'm joined now by…

Maria

Maria.

Finn

Nice to meet you. Do you live in London?

Maria

I do yes.

Finn

How do you normally commute?

Maria

So, at the moment my commute isn't too long. I get the tube to work and it only takes about twenty minutes. I do that most days but sometimes I walk which takes about forty-five minutes. I normally leave for work at about twenty past eight to get to work for nine o'clock.

Finn

What's your name?

Caroline

Caroline.

Finn

Caroline hello. Do you live in London?

Caroline

Yes I do, I live in East London. I have to commute to work to Southwark.

Finn

How do you normally travel to Southwark?

Caroline

I always get the bus to Southwark, yes, that's the easiest way for me and I'm not near any tube stations. It takes about fifty minutes. I'm on the bus for forty minutes and then I walk for ten minutes.

Finn

And so what's your average day like in the office? How long are you there usually?

Caroline

Usually I'm in the office from nine to five on an average day but sometimes I can be there until 6 o'clock or 7 o'clock or sometimes even 8!

Finn

OK, I'm standing here with…

Simon

Simon.

Finn

Hello Simon, nice to meet you.

Simon

You too.

Finn

You live in London?

Simon

Yes, south west London, Putney.

Finn

Great. And tell me do you have to commute from Putney?

Simon

I do. My office is based just off Oxford Circus, so usually I hop on the tube but the time I have to get in is a nightmare so I've started cycling over the last six or seven months. It's a pretty nice journey and I always feel I sleep better after a cycle, 'cos I'm knackered so that's good.

Finn

I'm joined now by…

Rosie

Rosie.

Finn

Hello Rosie. How are you?

Rosie

Good thank you.

Finn

What do you think about the weather?

Rosie

It's very miserable but pretty normal for the UK.

Finn

Sorry for making you stand in the rain. At least you have an umbrella. Can you tell me about your commute?

Rosie

I can. I live in Wandsworth, in south London and I usually get the train to Waterloo and then I get the train across to London Bridge. Sometimes if the train isn't running I get the tube.

Finn

And do you work in London Bridge?

Rosie

I do, yes.

Finn

How long does your commute take?

Rosie

About forty to forty-five minutes.  When I lived in west London I occasionally would cycle through the parks but it's a very busy route in and I'm not a very good cyclist.

Finn

Well a range of experiences there but how much can you remember? Do our quiz and test yourself. Good luck and I'll see you soon.