Question

Yesterday was an important day for Thomas Burns from Portsmouth. He retired after 45 years as a bus driver in the city. Here he writes about the changes he has seen over the years. ‘Over the years a lot of things have changed in Portsmouth and I think it’s more difficult to be a bus driver today than before. There are more cars, more cyclists, more traffic jams and more people in a hurry! I’ve seen a lot of changes in the town centre too. When I started you could drive along the High Street. Now you can’t. It’s for people on foot! There are lots of roads you can’t drive along. Another change is that 40 years ago we had conductors. Conductors were people who worked on the bus too and they walked up and down the bus and sold the tickets. Today the driver has to sell tickets. Also, the conductors watched the passengers for any trouble. Today we have CCTV cameras instead! But a CCTV camera can’t tell a teenager to get off the bus! The passengers haven’t changed a lot. I’ve met some really nice people and some very rude people too. But that’s life, isn’t it?’

Answer 1

1) True

2) False

3) False

4) False

5) True

Тебе вроде это нужно, видел уже этот тест

Answer 2

Over the course of his 45-year career as a bus driver in Portsmouth, Thomas Burns has witnessed numerous changes in the city. In reflecting on his retirement, he highlights the challenges that bus drivers face in the present day compared to the past.

According to Burns, one of the major changes he has observed is the increase in cars, cyclists, and traffic jams. As a result, navigating the roads has become more difficult and demanding for bus drivers. Additionally, the busier streets and larger number of pedestrians have led to restrictions on where vehicles can drive. For instance, the High Street, which used to be accessible for cars, is now limited to pedestrians only.

Another significant change that Burns mentions is the absence of conductors on buses. In the past, conductors would walk up and down the bus, selling tickets and ensuring the safety of passengers. However, in today's buses, it is the driver's responsibility to sell tickets. Moreover, conductors used to keep an eye on passengers for any potential trouble, whereas now, CCTV cameras have taken over this role. Despite the advantage of surveillance, Burns points out that cameras cannot intervene or communicate directly with passengers, particularly in situations involving unruly behavior.

While the environment and dynamics of his job have transformed, Burns notes that the passengers themselves have remained relatively consistent. He has encountered both kind and impolite individuals throughout his career, acknowledging that this is simply a part of life.

In conclusion, Thomas Burns's experiences as a bus driver in Portsmouth highlight the changes that have occurred over the years. From increased traffic congestion to alterations in bus operations, he recognizes the evolving nature of his profession. Nonetheless, he has found fulfillment in connecting with a variety of passengers, encountering both pleasant and challenging individuals along the way.