[IELTS Vocabulary] Transportation

This vocabulary list is for reference only. Your Lexical Resource scores are calculated based on the overall level of vocabulary used in your writing and speaking answers. To improve your Lexical Resource scores, it is necessary that you improve your overall level of vocabulary.

However, skillfully incorporating these words in your writing and speaking answers together with a good vocabulary level will increase the chance of enhanced Lexical Recourse scores.

Vocabulary list

1. Traffic Congestion in Cities

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Alternative routes	Noun phrase	Secondary roads or paths used to avoid congestion	Drivers often seek alternative routes during peak traffic times.
Carpooling	Noun/Verb	Sharing a car with others for commuting	Carpooling helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
Commuter	Noun	Person who travels regularly to work or school	Many commuters use public transportation to avoid congestion.
Congestion	Noun	Blocked or overcrowded condition, especially in traffic	Traffic congestion is a major issue in urban areas.
Gridlock	Noun	Complete standstill of traffic	Gridlock during rush hour frustrates commuters.
Infrastructure	Noun	Basic physical and organizational structures and facilities	Improving infrastructure can alleviate traffic congestion.
Road capacity	Noun phrase	Maximum number of vehicles a road can handle	Increasing road capacity can improve traffic flow in cities.
Traffic bottleneck	Noun phrase	Point where traffic is forced to slow down or stop	Addressing bottlenecks is crucial for easing congestion.
Traffic flow	Noun phrase	Movement of vehicles on roads	Smooth traffic flow is essential for reducing congestion.
Traffic management	Noun phrase	Strategies and systems to regulate traffic flow	Effective traffic management reduces congestion and delays.
Urban sprawl	Noun	Unplanned and haphazard growth of urban areas	Urban sprawl contributes to increased traffic congestion.

2. Public Transportation vs. Private Vehicles

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Accessibility	Noun	Ease of use and availability	Public transportation improves accessibility for all citizens.
Carbon footprint	Noun phrase	Measure of greenhouse gas emissions	Using public transit reduces individuals’ carbon footprints.
Car ownership	Noun phrase	Possessing a vehicle for personal use	Public transit can reduce the need for individual car ownership.
Commuting time	Noun phrase	Time spent traveling to work or school	Public transit can reduce commuting time compared to driving.
Cost-effective	Adjective	Providing good value for the cost	Using public transit can be more cost-effective than driving.
Environmental impact	Noun phrase	Effects on the environment caused by transportation	Public transit has a lower environmental impact than private vehicles.
Fare system	Noun phrase	Structure of pricing for public transportation	The fare system influences people’s choice of transportation.
Mass transit	Noun phrase	Transportation system designed to move large numbers of people efficiently	Mass transit reduces traffic congestion and pollution.
Reliability	Noun	Consistency and dependability	Public transportation reliability is important for commuters.
Transit-oriented development	Noun phrase	Planning that focuses on public transit access and development	Transit-oriented development promotes walkability and public transportation use.
Public transportation	Noun phrase	System of buses, trains, and other vehicles used by the public	Public transportation is often more cost-effective than private vehicles.

3. Sustainable Transportation Solutions

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Active transportation	Noun phrase	Modes of travel powered by human energy, such as walking or cycling	Active transportation promotes physical activity and reduces emissions.
Bike-sharing	Noun phrase	System where bicycles are available for shared use	Bike-sharing programs promote sustainable urban mobility.
Car-free zones	Noun phrase	Areas where private vehicles are not permitted	Car-free zones improve air quality and reduce congestion.
Electrification	Noun	Conversion of vehicles or systems to use electric power	Electrification of public transit reduces carbon emissions.
Green infrastructure	Noun phrase	Infrastructure designed to improve environmental sustainability	Green infrastructure includes bike lanes and green spaces.
Hybrid vehicles	Noun phrase	Vehicles with both electric and combustion engines	Hybrid vehicles offer a bridge to more sustainable transportation.
Pedestrian-friendly	Adjective	Designed to accommodate pedestrians and walking	Pedestrian-friendly cities encourage walking and cycling.
Public transportation	Noun phrase	System of buses, trains, and other vehicles used by the public	Public transportation is often more cost-effective than private vehicles.
Transit-oriented planning	Noun phrase	Urban planning focused on public transit accessibility and efficiency	Transit-oriented planning aims to reduce car dependency in cities.
Zero-emission vehicles	Noun phrase	Vehicles that produce no tailpipe emissions	Zero-emission vehicles contribute to sustainable transportation.

Idioms for speaking

Idiom	Definition	Example
Catch the bus/train/flight	To board and travel on a bus, train, or airplane.	“I need to leave early to catch the bus to work.”
Full speed ahead	To proceed at maximum speed or with full force.	“With the green light, the driver went full speed ahead on the highway.”
Hit the road	To begin a journey or set out on a trip, especially by car.	“After breakfast, we hit the road to start our cross-country road trip.”
Off the beaten path	A location or route that is not well-known or frequently traveled.	“We prefer to explore off the beaten path destinations to experience unique cultures.”
On the road	Traveling or journeying, especially by vehicle.	“He’s constantly on the road for business trips.”
Road trip	A journey or trip taken by car, often for leisure or exploration.	“We’re planning a road trip along the coast for our summer vacation.”
Traffic jam	A situation in which a large number of vehicles are unable to move or are moving very slowly.	“We were stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour during rush hour.”
Take the wheel	To assume control or responsibility for driving a vehicle.	“He’s tired; let’s switch drivers, and you can take the wheel.”
Watch the road	To pay attention to driving and be cautious while on the road.	“It’s important to watch the road and avoid distractions while driving.”