At the Booking Office

- "What trains are there to Leeds?"

- "There are two through trains at 9 a.m. and at 3.20 p.m."

- "How much is a one-way ticket there?"

- "30 pounds."

- "And a return one?"

- "55 pounds."

- "Fine. Please give me a return ticket for a 9 o'clock train."

- "All right. What berth would you prefer?"

- "Upper one, please."

- "That's unusual. Everybody asks for the lower berth."

- "Of course, it is much more convenient, but there is always a lady or a child who needs a lower berth, so I prefer an upper one."

At the Station

- "Here you are at last! I've been waiting for half an hour for you."

- "I'm sorry, I'm late. But I was stuck in a traffic jam."

- "Here's your ticket."

- "Oh, thank you. Is it a through train?"

- "Yes. I'm glad we shan't have to change."

- "Fine. When is it due in Edinburgh?"

- "According to the timetable we are due there at 9.15 a.m."

- "And when is it leaving, by the way?"

- "Oh, in ten minutes. Come on or we'll miss it."

In the Compartment

- "Well, we are moving at last. The train doesn't seem to be' very crowded."

- "Not as overcrowded as at the peak tourist time in summer. What berth do you prefer?"

- "The lower one, if it is O.K. with you."

- " Sure. Shall I open the window? It's rather stuffy in here."

- "Do, please."

A Trip By Railway

The traveller first of all books his ticket in advance. It may be a week or eight days before his departure.

He makes his preparations before the trip. He pays some visits to his friends and settles all his business. On the eve of his departure he packs his things in a suitcase.

When the day of departure comes he calls a taxi and proceeds to the railway station. For some time he stays in the waiting-room. If he is hungry, he takes some refreshments in the buffet.

After a while the loudspeaker announces that the train is in and that the passengers are invited to take their seats. The traveller finds his carriage, enters the corridor and soon with the help of the porter finds his berth. It may be a lower berth, which is more convenient or it may be an upper one. The traveller puts his suitcase into a special box under the seat. Then he arranges his smaller packages on the racks.

Very soon the train pulls out. The travellers wave good-bye to their friends and relatives who have come to see them off.

First the train runs slowly then it gathers speed. It is an express train and so it does not stop at small wayside stations or halts. But it stops at big stations and junctions where some passengers change trains. During the journey the guard or a special inspector checks the tickets of the travellers. However, so that they should not be bothered at night the attendant takes the tickets from them.

Night comes. The guard arranges the beds for the night. The passengers put out the lights and switch on the blue night lamps. They fall asleep.

On the next day the traveller arrives at his destination. He calls a porter who helps him to carry his luggage to a taxi.