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You can reach England either by plane, by train, by car or
by ship. The fastest way is by plane. London has three
international airports: Heathrow, the largest, connected to
the city by underground; Gatwick, south of London, with a
frequent train service; Luton, the smallest, used for charter
flights.
If you go to England by train or by car you have to cross
the Channel. There is a frequent service of steamers and
ferryboats which connect the continent to the south-east of
England.
People in Britain drive on the left and generally overtake
on the right. The speed limit is 30 miles per hour (50 km/h)
in towns and cities and 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) on motorways.
When you are in London you can choose from four
different means of transport: bus, train, underground or
taxi. The typical bus in London is a red double-decker. The
first London bus started running between Paddington and
the City in 1829. It carried 40 passengers and cost a shilling
for six kms.
The next to arrive were the trains; now there are twelve
railway stations in London. The world's first underground
line was opened between Baker St. and the City in 1863. Now
there are ten underground lines and 273 underground stations
in use. The London underground is also called the Tube, because
of the circular shape of its deep tunnels.
Questions:
1. What is the fastest way of traveling?
2. How many airports are there in London?
3. What kind of service helps to cross the Channel?
4. What are some "rules" of driving in Britain?
5. What does typical bus in London look like?
6. Where was the first underground opened?
7. Why is London underground called the Tube?
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