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This episodeās vocabulary
Under circumstances (phrase) ā In consideration of what is currently happening.
Odd (adj.) ā happening or occurring infrequently and irregularly; occasional.
To splurge (verb) ā to spend a lot of money, especially on something special as a way of making yourself feel good.
Occasionally (adv.) ā sometimes, but not frequently or regularly.
To rely on (verb) ā to need a particular thing or the help and support of someone or something in order to continue, to work correctly, or to succeed.
To get around (phrasal verb) ā to go from place to place.
Leg room (noun) ā space in which a seated person can put their legs.
Non-peak/Off-peak time (noun) ā describes something that happens or that is used at times when there is least demand for it. Prices at non-peak times are often lower than at other times.
To gain traction (phrase) ā to receive support or interest that is needed for something to make progress or succeed.
We have also added these words to a āQuizletā set for you to study and revise in your free time: bit.ly/quizlets03e17
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Questions and Answers
Maria: Rory, do you travel by public transports?
Rory: I suppose under normal circumstances, I would every day. But now, because of the quarantine and everything. Itās just the odd metro, right? Sometimes Iāll take a taxi if I feel like splurging a little.
Maria: And how often do you travel by public transport?
Rory: Well, nowā¦ Itās only very occasionally becauseā¦ Well, we all need to, sort of, stay in our local area, donāt we? I donāt know if I can put an exact number on it. Maybe I use it once a week, perhaps.
Maria: When was the last time you traveled by public transport?
Rory: That was on Monday. I took the blue line into the center of Moscow. I had a meeting.
Maria: Whatās the most popular modes of transportation in your hometown?
Rory: Thatās a good question. I think itās a 50/50 split. A lot of people have their own cars. So I suppose the thing that people rely on most of all is buses to get around. But thatās inside cities. I suppose if youāre moving between cities, itās a choice of either your car or taking the train. But maybe some people fly. It would be very strange, but probablyā¦
Maria: Whatās the difference between planes and trains?
Rory: Well, thatās like saying whatās the difference between the air and the earth? Thereās lots of differences! Although, I definitely think the trains are better than planes. The only advantage that planes have is that theyāre faster. Everything else about trains is better. Like the view, the service, the leg room, everything. So if youāre listening, if you get the chance to visit the UK, you might fly there. But when youāre there, make sure you travel around by train at non-peak times. Itās amazing. Itās a great adventure.
Maria: Rory, what about Russia? Would you say the trains are better than planes? š Russian listeners can understand meā¦
Rory: Russiaās different, though, because Russia is such a big country that it takes ages to get anywhere outside of a major city. So probably the plane will be better. But if you go to the UK, like, I think the train is better.
Maria: Have you ever traveled by train in Russia?
Rory: I have traveled to St. Petersburg and I traveled to Voronezh by train as well. It was actually good fun. I liked it, but it wouldnāt be something I would do regularly.
Maria: Do you think people will drive more in the future?
Rory: I donāt know. I suppose in the current economic and political climateā¦ No, Iām still not sure. For example, if the whole climate change movement gains more traction, then they could make it very difficult for people to drive cars more often and in greater numbers. But if the economy recovers and oil prices remain low, then people might drive more. Is it so difficult to tell right now.
Maria: What about you? Will you drive more? Can you drive?
Rory: Well, I wonāt drive at all. I canāt drive. Period. So itās OK for me.
Maria: Why?
Rory: I just didnāt learnā¦ Well, I did learn how to drive, but I just didnāt get my licence. Iāll probably get it next year.
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