©AP Photo/Matt Rourke
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you often see buses or trains in your city? If so, which one do you use more? If not, how do people travel?
- Have you ever heard about bus or train fares going up? If so, how much did they increase? If not, what do you think happens then?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- consequential /kon-si-KWEN-shuhl/
[adjective] – having important or noticeable results
The teacher made a consequential decision about the final exam. - mounting /MOUN-ting/
[adjective] – gradually increasing
The family faced mounting bills after the storm. - notable /NOH-tuh-buhl/
[adjective] – important or interesting enough to be noticed
The city has many notable buildings from the 1800s. - detrimental /de-truh-MEN-tl/
[adjective] – causing harm or damage
Smoking is detrimental to people’s health. - sustainable /suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/
[adjective] – able to continue for a long time without causing harm
The company uses sustainable energy like solar power.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in Philadelphia started a large reduction of transit services on Monday, marking one of the most serious actions by a U.S. transport agency. The cuts began at the start of the school year in the country’s sixth-most populous city, where about 52,000 students rely on public transport. SEPTA confirmed a 20% decrease in services, with fewer buses, trolleys, and rail trips, and some routes were closed because of low ridership. Officials explained that the move was needed to address a budget gap of more than $200 million. The authority also announced a fare increase of 21.5% starting September 1, raising the cost of a single ride from $2.50 to $2.90. Other transit agencies in Chicago, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco are also considering reductions because of financial pressure and lower ridership after the pandemic.
The agency said the changes were planned to stabilize operations under limited funding. Analysts described the decision as a consequential step that shows the mounting pressure on city transport systems. Observers said the reductions were a notable example of challenges faced by urban networks. Experts warned that the loss of services during events such as FIFA World Cup games and the nation’s 250th anniversary could be detrimental for local economies. Economists argued that stronger investment is needed to build a sustainable system, while planners cautioned that constant reductions may weaken public trust in mass transport nationwide.
The agency said the changes were planned to stabilize operations under limited funding. Analysts described the decision as a consequential step that shows the mounting pressure on city transport systems. Observers said the reductions were a notable example of challenges faced by urban networks. Experts warned that the loss of services during events such as FIFA World Cup games and the nation’s 250th anniversary could be detrimental for local economies. Economists argued that stronger investment is needed to build a sustainable system, while planners cautioned that constant reductions may weaken public trust in mass transport nationwide.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the name of the transport authority in Philadelphia?
- When did the large reduction of transit services start?
- Where is Philadelphia ranked among U.S. cities by population?
- How many students in the city rely on public transport?
- By what percentage did SEPTA decrease its services?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a bus or train delay? If so, what did you do? If not, what would you do?
- Have you used transport to go to a big event? If so, how was it? If not, how would you go?
- Do you agree that service cuts are a consequential step for the city?
- What problems can mounting pressure cause for public transport in the future?
- How can cities make transport more sustainable without raising fares too much?