Exercise3. Match key terms with their definitions.

(split shift, short run, block, piece, run, run cutting, roaster, extra board, point check, ride check)

1. a list of assignments;

2. a metod in which the checker rides the bus and records the times at

major schedule points;

3 ..two working periods, separated by an unpaid job;

4 .process when pieces are assembled into runs;

5. a method when a checker is stationed at a stop and compares actual arrivals of buses with schedule arrivals;

6 .extra trips, during peak periods that travel the most heavily used portion;

7. a list of operators on standby;

8 .series of trips performed by one vehicle;

9 daily work schedule of an individual crew;

10. a portion of a block handled by a single crew.

Exercise 4. Answer the questions.

1. How many parts of scheduling do you know?

2. What is the specification of timetable?

3. What is a split shift?

4. What do we call a short run?

5. Describe the process of the second part of scheduling.

6. What does run cutting result in?

7. When did automated transit system start to develop?

8. What are the advantages of computerized scheduling?

9. What methods of data collection do transit managers use?

10. What is the importance of scheduling in a modern transit system?

Exercise 5. Rewrite each sentence so that it begins with gerund as subject.

1. It can be very relaxing to collect fossils.

2. It can be very difficult to give up smoking.

3. It isn’t a good idea to do an exam without revising.

4. It is fun to learn a new sport.

5 .It takes lots of hard work to learn a foreign language.

6 .It was very exciting to see my favorite band play live.

7. It will never be possible to live on Mars.

8. It took a long time to write the report.

9. It is so tiring walking up this mountain!

10. It’s illegal to drive without a licence.

Exercise 6. Imagine you are having a conversation at the bus stop. Think of all the problems that can arise and make up a dialogue on the subject “Scheduling”. Some of the following expressions may be helpful:

A Personally, I would advise you to….

B It might be a good idea if you….

C That sounds like a good idea.

D All I’m trying to say is…

E What can I do for you?

F Unfortunately, there is a problem with…

G Could you tell me exactly what….?

H I’m sorry, but I think you are mistaken.

Part B

Exercise 1. Read and translate the text.

Transport for London

The London Bus is one of the London’s principal icons, the archetypal red rear-entrance double-deck Routemaster being recognized world-wide. Although the Routemaster has now been largely phased out of service, with only two heritage routes still using the vehicles, the majority of buses in London are still red and therefore the red bus remains and iconic symbol of the city.

London’s famous taxis (black cabs) can either be booked in advance or hailed on the street or from designated taxi ranks. There is a charge when booking by phone and other terms and conditions may vary so please check when booking. All taxis are wheelchair accessible and most have a variety of additional features to assist passengers. The fares charged are regulated, and with safety paramount all taxi vehicles and drivers must meet minimum standards (for drivers this includes passing the world renowned “Knowledge of London” examinations).

Don’t risk taking an illegal cab. Always use a licensed minicab, taxi, nightbus or the Tube to get home.

Walking is a fantastic and environmentally-friendly way to get around London. You can beat the traffic while getting some exercise and taking in the view. Travelling within Central London on foot can even save time, as many landmark locations are closer to each other than you might think. Ever charged lines to get the Tube between Covent Garden and Leicester Square? Actually they are only 5 minutes walk apart! Remember that cars drive on the left in the UK, so be careful to look in the correct direction for oncoming traffic when crossing the road.

Whether you are a regular visitor or simply making a one-off trip, an Oyster card is the best way to get around London’s public transport network. An Oyster card is a form of electronic ticketing used on public transport services within the Greater London area of the United Kingdom. It is promoted by Transport for London and is valid on a number of different travel systems including London Underground, buses, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) [Docklands - a large, modern development of houses and offices in East London, along the River Thames, built mainly during the 1980s. It includes the tallest building in the UK, Canary Wharf, and the London City Airport.], London Overground, trams, and some National Rail services.

The card is designed to reduce the number of cash transactions at ticket offices and the number of single paper tickets sold on the London Transport network. Usage is encouraged by offering substantially cheaper fares on Oyster than payment with cash. International visitors can buy a standard pay-as-you-go oyster card on arrival from the ticket office at Gatwick Airport or can buy Visitor Oyster cards online. Purchasing your Oyster card before you arrive makes it easy to get out and about from the moment you get to London. Various discounts and free travel are available for children, students, the elderly and disabled travellers. Your Oyster card can help you get around London for less and save money on the whole range of attractions, including West End shows, museums and restaurants.

Stansted Airport is the main hub for budget airlines, but they also operate from Gatwick and Luton. Some of the larger carriers such as British Airways offer great deals so it’s well worth shopping around.