Transportation Flashcards
a vehicle with four wheels drawn by horses.
Carriage
Example: The carriage rattled down the cobblestone street.
a person who walks on foot.
Pedestrian
Example: The city has installed more crosswalks to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
the journey between home and work or school, typically on a regular basis.
Commute
Example: His daily commute takes him an hour each way by train.
a situation where vehicles are unable to move or move very slowly.
Traffic jam
Example: We were stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour due to a road closure.
a vehicle with two wheels that is propelled by pedals.
Bicycle
Example: She prefers to commute by bicycle to reduce her carbon footprint.
overcrowded or blocked with traffic.
Congested
Example: The city center is always congested during rush hour.
achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
Efficient
Example: Public transportation is a more efficient way to travel in urban areas.
able to be trusted to do what is expected or necessary.
Reliable
Example: The subway system in this city is known for being reliable and punctual.
to start a journey.
Set off
Example: We need to set off early if we want to avoid the traffic.
to move a vehicle to the side of the road and stop.
Pull over
Example: The police officer signaled for the driver to pull over.
to plan and direct the route or course of a vehicle.
Navigate
Example: He navigated through the narrow streets of the old town with ease.
to travel regularly to and from work or school.
Commute
Example: She commutes from the suburbs to downtown every day.
to begin a journey.
Hit the road
Example: We should hit the road before it gets dark.
to get a lift or ride with someone.
Catch a ride
Example: Can I catch a ride with you to the airport tomorrow?
a designated place where buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers.
Bus stop
Example: The bus stop is just around the corner from my house.
a signaling device at a road intersection to control the flow of traffic.
Traffic light
Example: Make sure to stop at the traffic light before turning left.
I missed the last train and had to hail a taxi home.
Hail a taxi: to signal for a taxi to stop and pick you up
I prefer taking the scenic route when driving to the countryside
Scenic route: a route that offers beautiful views or interesting sights
an underground railway system.
Subway
Example: The subway is the fastest way to get around the city during rush hour.
a boat or ship used to transport passengers and sometimes vehicles across bodies of water.
Ferry
Example: We took a ferry to the nearby island for a day trip.
fitting in well with a person’s needs, activities, and plans.
Convenient
Example: Living close to public transportation makes it very convenient to get around.
having ample space or room.
Spacious
Example: The minivan is spacious enough for our whole family and luggage.
to deliver someone or something to a destination, typically by car.
Drop off
Example: Can you drop me off at the train station on your way to work?
to leave the ground and begin flight.
Take off
Example: The plane is scheduled to take off in 15 minutes.
to get on or into a vehicle, especially a ship, aircraft, or train.
Board
Example: Passengers are requested to board the train from platform 3.
to move or guide something skillfully or carefully.
Maneuver
Example: The driver expertly maneuvered the truck through the narrow streets.
to get a free ride with someone, typically by asking for one.
Hitch a ride
Example: If you miss the bus, you can always try to hitch a ride with a friend.
to drive in front of another vehicle suddenly and without warning.
Cut someone off
Example: The reckless driver cut me off at the intersection.
a designated lane on a road reserved for vehicles carrying multiple passengers.
Carpool lane
Example: Using the carpool lane during rush hour can significantly reduce travel time.
an area or building where cars or other vehicles can be parked.
Parking lot
Example: The parking lot was full, so we had to find street parking instead.
I had to make a pit stop for gas on our road trip
Pit stop: a brief stop during a journey for refueling, rest, or other necessary activities
I prefer taking public transportation to avoid the hassle of finding parking
Hassle: inconvenience or trouble
a powered railway vehicle used for pulling trains
Locomotive
Example: The steam locomotive chugged along the tracks, pulling several carriages.
a booth where tolls are collected for passage on a toll road or bridge.
Tollbooth
Example: We had to stop at the tollbooth and pay the fee before crossing the bridge.
arriving or doing something at the expected or planned time.
Punctual
Example: The train service is known for being punctual, rarely experiencing delays.
having or providing pleasing views, especially of natural beauty.
Scenic
Example: We took the scenic route through the mountains to enjoy the breathtaking views.
to move from place to place, especially without difficulty or hindrance.
Get around
Example: In this city, it’s easy to get around using public transportation.
to arrive at a destination, especially when driving.
Pull in
Example: The bus pulled in right on time, and we boarded quickly.
to blend or combine two or more things together, especially traffic lanes.
Merge
Example: Drivers should merge into the appropriate lane well before reaching the construction zone.
to drive or travel smoothly and steadily at a moderate or economical speed.
Cruise
Example: We decided to cruise along the coastal road, enjoying the ocean breeze.
to successfully board a bus or train before it departs
Catch the bus/train
Example: Hurry up, or we’ll miss our chance to catch the bus!
a casual way to request a full tank of gas at a gas station.
Fill ‘er up
Example: I need to stop and fill ‘er up before we hit the road.
a device attached to a vehicle for carrying bicycles.
Bike rack
Example: We installed a bike rack on the back of the car for our weekend cycling trip.
an agreement among individuals to share rides in a single vehicle, typically to save money or reduce emissions.
Carpooling arrangement
Example: We have a carpooling arrangement with our neighbors for commuting to work.
I prefer taking the express train for long journeys; it’s faster and more comfortable
Express train: a train service that makes limited stops, usually between major cities
I don’t mind the occasional detour if it means discovering new places along the way
Detour: a deviation from a planned route, often due to road closures or diversions
goods carried by a vehicle, ship, or aircraft.
Cargo
Example: The cargo ship transported containers filled with merchandise across the ocean.
a vehicle or aircraft that travels regularly between two places.
Shuttle
Example: The hotel offers a shuttle service to and from the airport for guests.
capable of being maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage.
Sustainable
Example: Many people are switching to electric cars as a more sustainable mode of transportation.
able to adjust to new conditions or changes easily.
Adaptable
Example: Bicycles are adaptable vehicles that can navigate through various terrains.
to leave a place or start moving, especially with a vehicle.
Pull out
Example: The bus will pull out of the station in five minutes, so please board quickly.
to stop functioning properly, especially a vehicle.
Break down
Example: Unfortunately, our car broke down on the way to the airport, so we had to call for assistance.
to pass a vehicle traveling in the same direction, typically by going faster.
Overtake
Example: The driver decided to overtake the slow-moving truck on the highway.
a manual transmission in a vehicle where the driver manually shifts gears using a stick.
Stick shift
Example: I learned to drive on a stick shift, so driving an automatic feels strange to me.
a driver who takes up more than their fair share of the road, often driving slowly or erratically.
Road hog
Example: The road hog in front of us was causing a traffic jam by driving well below the speed limit.
a designated lane on a road for bicycles.
Bike lane
Example: Many cities are adding bike lanes to encourage more people to cycle as a mode of transportation.
I always double-check the train schedule to avoid missing my connection
Double-check: to verify or confirm something by checking it again
We had to change trains halfway through our journey, but it didn’t delay us too much
Halfway through: at the midpoint or middle part of a journey or process
a point where two or more roads or railway lines meet or cross.
Junction
Example: The junction ahead is known for heavy traffic during peak hours.
a system in a vehicle that automatically maintains a constant speed set by the driver.
Cruise control
Example: Using cruise control on the highway can help reduce fatigue during long drives.
able to travel a long distance for each unit of fuel consumed.
Fuel-efficient
Example: Hybrid cars are known for being fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.
to become blocked or congested, causing a delay in traffic flow.
Back up
Example: The accident on the highway caused traffic to back up for miles.
to increase speed, especially while driving.
Speed up
Example: If you want to merge onto the highway, you need to speed up to match the flow of traffic.
to pull or carry something heavy or bulky, especially over a long distance.
Haul
Example: The truck hauled a load of construction materials to the building site.
to leave a vehicle in a specific place for a period of time.
Park
Example: We parked the car in the designated parking lot before exploring the city on foot.
a journey made by car, often involving stops at various destinations along the way.
Road trip
Example: We’re planning a road trip to the mountains next weekend.
a vehicle that consumes a large amount of fuel.
Gas guzzler
Example: My old pickup truck is a gas guzzler; it’s time to upgrade to something more fuel-efficient.
a place where trains stop to pick up and drop off passengers.
Train station
Example: We arrived at the train station just in time to catch the express train.
a road for which drivers must pay a fee or toll to use.
Toll road
Example: We avoided the toll road to save money on our road trip.
I always check the weather forecast before embarking on a long journey.
(Embarking on: starting or undertaking a journey)
We were caught in a traffic snarl on the way to the airport, so we had to take a detour.
(Traffic snarl: a situation where traffic is severely congested or tangled)
a toll road, especially a major highway.
Turnpike
Example: We took the turnpike to reach our destination faster, despite the toll fees.
a service where individuals share a vehicle for a particular journey, typically arranged through a smartphone app.
Ride-sharing
Example: Ride-sharing has become increasingly popular in urban areas as a convenient and cost-effective transportation option.
able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
Versatile
Example: Motorcycles are versatile vehicles that can navigate through traffic easily.
designed to allow air or water to flow smoothly over its surface, reducing resistance.
Streamlined
Example: The new electric car design is more streamlined, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.
to visit someone briefly and informally, often without an appointment.
Drop by
Example: I’ll drop by your house on my way home from work to pick up the book.
to lower the window of a vehicle.
Roll down the window
Example: It’s hot in here; can you roll down the window to let in some fresh air?
to use up all the fuel in a vehicle’s tank.
Run out of gas
Example: We almost ran out of gas on the highway, but luckily we found a gas station just in time.
to yield or give priority to other vehicles or pedestrians, often used at intersections or when merging into traffic.
Give way
Example: Drivers must give way to pedestrians at the crosswalk.
to get a lift or a ride with someone.
Catch a ride
Example: Can I catch a ride with you to the concert tonight?
a journey or excursion made by car, typically over a long distance.
Road trip
Example: We’re planning a road trip across the country during the summer vacation.
a type of road junction where traffic flows continuously around a central island without the need for traffic lights or stop signs.
Roundabout
Example: The city installed a roundabout to improve traffic flow at the intersection.
the regular journey between home and work or school, often undertaken daily.
Commute
Example: His daily commute to the office takes about an hour each way.
environmentally aware or concerned about reducing one’s ecological footprint.
Eco-conscious
Example: Many eco-conscious commuters choose to bike or carpool to reduce emissions.
- having the ability to accommodate a large number of passengers or vehicles.
High-capacity
Example: The high-capacity subway trains can transport thousands of commuters during rush hour.
to go for a short drive or ride, often for pleasure or leisure.
Take a spin
Example: Let’s take a spin around the neighborhood in the convertible.
to move quickly and smoothly through congested traffic.
Zip through traffic
Example: The motorcycle zipped through traffic, weaving between cars effortlessly.
capable of operating independently without human control or intervention, often used to describe vehicles.
Autonomous
Example: Autonomous cars use sensors and AI technology to navigate without human input.
a situation where traffic congestion causes roads and streets to become completely blocked, preventing movement in any direction
Gridlock
Example: We were stuck in gridlock for hours due to a major accident on the freeway.
to pass through a place or location while driving, typically used in the context of ordering food from a restaurant without leaving the car.
Drive through
Example: We decided to drive through the fast-food restaurant for a quick lunch on the go.
to provide transportation for someone in one’s vehicle.
Give someone a lift
Example: Can I give you a lift to the train station?
involving or relating to multiple modes of transportation, such as combining car, train, and bus travel.
Multimodal
Example: The city’s multimodal transportation system includes buses, trains, and bike lanes.
- to bring a vehicle to a stop, typically alongside a curb or at a designated parking spot.
Pull up
Example: The taxi pulled up to the curb, and we got in.
a two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter used for short-distance travel.
Segway
Example: Tourists explored the city on Segways to cover more ground in less time.
- capable of being maintained or continued over a long period without exhausting resources or causing significant environmental damage.
Sustainable
Example: Electric vehicles are a sustainable alternative to traditional gas-powered cars.
to increase the speed or rate of motion of a vehicle.
Speed up
Example: The driver sped up to overtake the slow-moving truck.
to leave early or arrive before the majority of people, typically to avoid heavy traffic or crowds.
Beat the rush
Example: We left the house early to beat the rush and get a good spot at the beach.
a system in which bicycles are made available for shared use to individuals on a short-term basis, typically through docking stations located throughout a city.
Bike share program
Example: Many cities have implemented bike share programs to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.
The bus driver announced a detour due to road construction, adding extra time to our commute.
Example: The detour caused a delay, but we eventually reached our destination.
“We got stuck in a traffic jam on the way to the concert, so we arrived later than expected.”
Example: Traffic jams are common during rush hour, causing delays for commuters.
