Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Public Transport” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Types of Public Transport

1. What types of public transport do you know?
2. Which public transport do you use most often?
3. Can you name some advantages of public transport?
4. Are there any disadvantages to using public transport?
5. How does public transport help a city?

II. Using Public Transport

6. How do you pay for public transport in your city?
7. Do you need a card or ticket to use public transport?
8. Is it easy to find your way using public transport?
9. What should someone do if they get lost on public transport?
10. How often does public transport run in your area?

III. Personal Experiences

11. Have you ever forgotten something on public transport?
12. What is the longest journey you have taken using public transport?
13. Do you prefer to stand or sit during your journey?
14. Have you ever met someone interesting on public transport?
15. What is your usual routine while riding public transport?

IV. Etiquette and Rules

16. Are there any rules on public transport that you find strange?
17. What should you not do on public transport?
18. How should people behave on public transport?
19. What would you do if someone was playing loud music?
20. Is eating allowed on public transport in your city?

V. Public Transport in Different Cities

21. How does public transport in big cities compare to small towns?
22. Have you used public transport in another country?
23. What is the most unusual type of public transport you have seen?
24. How do tourists find using public transport in your city?
25. Can you name some famous public transport systems in the world?

VI. Safety on Public Transport

26. How do you stay safe on public transport?
27. What should you do if you see something suspicious?
28. Are there security checks on public transport in your city?
29. How can public transport be made safer?
30. Do you feel safe using public transport at night?

VII. Public Transport and the Environment

31. Is public transport in your city eco-friendly?
32. How does using public transport help the planet?
33. Are there electric buses or trains in your area?
34. What can be done to make public transport greener?
35. Would you use public transport more if it was better for the environment?

VIII. Improving Public Transport

36. What improvements would you like to see in public transport?
37. How could public transport be made more comfortable?
38. What role do you think technology will play in the future of public transport?
39. Should public transport be free? Why or why not?
40. How could the government encourage more people to use public transport?

IX. Challenges and Problems

41. What are some common problems with public transport?
42. How do strikes affect public transport and people’s lives?
43. What happens when public transport is too crowded?
44. How do delays and cancellations impact your day?
45. Can you think of any solutions to these problems?

X. Accessibility

46. How accessible is public transport for disabled people in your city?
47. Are there services for people with sight or hearing impairments?
48. How can public transport become more accessible for everyone?
49. Do you think children and elderly have a good access to public transport?
50. What facilities are there for parents with strollers?

XI. Public Transport Jobs

51. What jobs are there in public transport?
52. Would you like to work in public transport? Why or why not?
53. How do you think drivers are trained for their jobs?
54. What skills do you think are necessary to work in public transport?
55. What do you think is challenging about working in public transport?

XII. Public Transport in Culture and Media

56. Can you name any movies where public transport plays a big role?
57. How is public transport portrayed in the media?
58. Have you read any books where characters use public transport?
59. What songs do you know that mention buses, trains, or trams?
60. Have you seen any advertisements promoting public transport? How do they encourage its use?

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