ESLPodcast 18 - Getting Around(到处走动)

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Getting around in the United States is sometimes not very easy. Most people own their own cars, but not everyone can foot the bill for the car, plus the insurance, gas, and maintenance. Most big cities have buses, but they are much slower than a car. Several cities in the U.S. have subway systems, but many do not. There are even fewer trains that transport daily commuters. In cities such as Los Angeles, public transportation is much more limited than in other countries.

在美国到处走动有时不是那么容易。大部分人有自己的车，但是不是所有的人都买得起汽车，况且还要为了保险，汽油，维修花不少钱。大部分大都市都会有公共汽车，但是都比较慢，没有汽车快。美国有不少城市有地铁，但是很多地方都没有。有的地方甚至用火车来担当上下班一族每天的交通工具。像洛杉矶这样的城市，公共交通比起其他国家类似规模的城市，会有更多的限制。

If you take some form of public transportation, you need to pay a certain fare. In most big cities the fare is anywhere from 1 to 2 dollars. But don't expect the bus driver to change a bill for you. You usually need exact change if you're going to ride a bus, train, or subway. Whatever you take, you always have to pay for it!

My friends here in Los Angeles all have different ways of getting to work. One friend, who lives out in the boonies, rides the train everyday. He takes the train because it's easier for him than driving or taking a bus. Another friend I know who works close to where he lives rides a bike everyday. Still another friend drives his car. I don't know anyone who rides the bus, but I've taken it once or twice when my car was in the shop. Worse comes to worst, you can always hop in a taxi. Taking a taxi is expensive here, though, so be prepared for a big fare—not including the tip!

Script by Dr. Jeff McQuillan