牛津八年级下册Units14Transportation in America.docVIP

Transportation in America Local Transportation Private automobiles remain the most common form of local transportation in the United States, although the situation may be changing significantly in the next few years as a result of the continuing energy crisis. The cost of operating an automobile has become prohibitive for some people in the United States --- especially students and others with limited means. Owning and operating an automobile in the United States is a serious responsibility, and students should consider carefully before deciding to learn to drive or to buy a car. People who own automobiles must have a valid license for driving in the state in which they reside, insurance (which is very expensive - with premiums amounting to hundreds of dollars annually), and registration (the car must be registered by the state in which its owner lives). In addition, some states’ have a personal property tax that adds to both the initial price of the car and the cost of maintaining it each year. International drivers licenses may be used temporarily to allow persons from other countries to drive their cars in the United States. But students who plan to remain in the United States for more than a few months should obtain a drivers license from the state in which they reside. When purchasing a car, it is advisable for the foreign student to be accompanied by an American who is familiar with the procedures involved, price ranges, and so forth. In order to operate the car that the student has purchased, it will be necessary to purchase automobile insurance. There are a large number of insurance companies that sell such insurance and a wide variety of automobile insurance policies and related services available to automobile owners in the United States. Buses, Subways, Commuter Trains The type and extent of rapid transit service available in a given town or city in the United States depends on the size (population, area), terrain and wealth of a community. Bus, subway,