Train and Bus Problems in Toronto and London

May 13, 2026, 16:59
CanadaPolitics

Introduction

Trains and buses in Toronto and London have problems. Workers are unhappy and may stop working.

Main Body

In Toronto, workers and the TTC company do not agree on pay. The workers want more money because life is expensive. The company says it does not have enough money. Many people will visit Toronto for the World Cup soon, so the city needs the trains to work. In London, workers in the RMT union are on strike. They want to work 32 hours a week. The company wants them to work 35 hours. The workers say long days are dangerous for drivers. Some workers in London agree with the company, but others do not. In Toronto, the leaders want a deal quickly so the trains do not stop.

Conclusion

Both cities have problems. The companies and the workers must find a way to agree.

Learning

πŸ’‘ The "Want" Pattern

In this story, we see a common way to talk about needs and desires using the word want.

How it works: Person β†’\rightarrow want β†’\rightarrow thing

Examples from the text:

  • The workers β†’\rightarrow want β†’\rightarrow more money.
  • They β†’\rightarrow want β†’\rightarrow to work 32 hours.
  • The company β†’\rightarrow wants β†’\rightarrow them to work 35 hours.

⚠️ A Quick Tip for A2

Notice the small change in the word want:

  1. Want β†’\rightarrow used for many people (Workers want... / They want...)
  2. Wants β†’\rightarrow used for one thing or person (The company wants...)

πŸ”‘ Useful Words for Problems

If you want to talk about a disagreement, use these simple words found in the text:

  • Agree: To say "yes" to the same idea.
  • Do not agree: To say "no" or have a different idea.
  • Problem: Something that is difficult or wrong.

Vocabulary Learning

train (n.)
a vehicle that runs on tracks
Example:I take the train to work every day.
bus (n.)
a large vehicle that carries many passengers
Example:The bus stops at the corner.
problem (n.)
a situation that is difficult or causes trouble
Example:There is a problem with the schedule.
worker (n.)
a person who does work for a company
Example:The worker fixed the broken rail.
unhappy (adj.)
not happy
Example:The workers were unhappy with the new rules.
stop (v.)
to cease working or moving
Example:They may stop working if the company doesn't agree.
agree (v.)
to have the same opinion or decision
Example:They need to agree on the pay.
pay (n.)
money that is given for work
Example:The workers want higher pay.
money (n.)
currency used for buying things
Example:The company does not have enough money.
life (n.)
the existence of a person or animal
Example:Life is expensive in the city.
expensive (adj.)
costing a lot of money
Example:Life is expensive in the city.
many (adj.)
a large number of
Example:Many people will visit Toronto.
visit (v.)
to go to see a place
Example:Many people will visit Toronto for the World Cup.
world cup (n.)
an international sports competition
Example:The World Cup will be held soon.
city (n.)
a large town
Example:The city needs the trains to work.
need (v.)
to require something
Example:The city needs the trains to work.
work (v.)
to perform tasks or duties
Example:The trains must work.
union (n.)
an organization of workers
Example:The union is on strike.
strike (v.)
to stop working as a protest
Example:The workers are on strike.
hour (n.)
a unit of time equal to 60 minutes
Example:They want to work 32 hours a week.
week (n.)
a period of seven days
Example:They want to work 32 hours a week.
dangerous (adj.)
able to cause harm or injury
Example:Long days are dangerous for drivers.
driver (n.)
a person who drives a vehicle
Example:Drivers need safe roads.
leader (n.)
a person who leads or heads a group
Example:Leaders want a deal quickly.
deal (n.)
an agreement between parties
Example:They want a deal quickly.
quickly (adv.)
fast in speed or time
Example:Leaders want a deal quickly.
both (adj.)
two together
Example:Both cities have problems.
must (modal verb)
has to
Example:Workers must find a way to agree.
find (v.)
to discover or locate
Example:Workers must find a way to agree.
way (n.)
a method or manner
Example:Workers must find a way to agree.