(At the Airport Taxi Stand)

Taxi driver: Would you like a taxi, sir?

Passenger:   Yes, I would.

Taxi driver: Do you have just one suitcase?

Passenger:   Yes, that's it.

(The taxi driver picks up the suitcase and carries it to the trunk

Passenger:   I'm going downtown. Is there a flat rate or do you use the meter?

Taxi driver: I use the meter.

(In the taxi)

Taxi driver: Where would you like to go?

Passenger:   I'm going to Fairmont hotel on 5^th and Broadway.

Taxi driver: Okay.

Passenger:   About how long will it take to get there?

Taxi driver: Oh, at this time of day, it won't take long … about fifteen or twenty minutes.                        

Passenger:  What do you think the fare will be?

Taxi driver: Probably about twenty five dollars.

(Fifteen minutes later)

Taxi driver: Here we are.

Passenger:   How much is that?

Taxi driver: That'll be $22.00.

Passenger:   Here's twenty five. Keep the change.

Taxi driver: Thank you. I'll get the suitcase for you.

(The taxi driver opens the trunk)

Taxi driver: Here you go. Have a nice day.

Passenger:   Thank you.

PRACTICE

Work with your partner. Role-play the dialog, substituting the different expressions below. Then reverse the roles.

Would you like a taxi, sir?                                  Yes, I would.

Do you want a taxi, sir?                                         Yes, I do.

Would you like a cab?                                            Yes, thanks.

Do you need a taxi?                                                Yes, I do.

Are you waiting for a taxi?                                     Yes, I am.

Do you have just one suitcase?                            Yes, that's it.

Do you have any luggage?                                     No, just my computer. I'll keep it with me.                                                                                 

Do you have any bags?                                          Yes. I have these two.

Is there a flat rate or do you use the meter?

Is there a fixed rate or do you use the meter?

Is there a set rate or do you use the meter?

Is there a fixed fare or do you use the meter?

Where would you like to go?

Where are you going?

Where to?

About how long will it take to get there?

Is it far?

How long a trip is it?

How long does it take?

At this time of day, it won't take long … about fifteen or twenty minutes.

The traffic is light now, so it won't take long.

The traffic is quite heavy, so it may take awhile.

                   What do you think the fare will be?     Probably around twenty-five dollars.

What do you think it will cost?                It'll probably be about …

How much do you think it will be?          It might be about …

Here we are.

Here you are.

This is it.

Ok. We're here.

How much is that?        That'll be $22.00.       Here's twenty-five.

How much is it?               It's $22.00.                  Here you are.

What's the fare?               That's $22.00.             Here you go.

I'll get the suitcase.

I'll get your bag.

I'll get the luggage.

EXPAND YOUR VOCABULAR

1. Odd One Out – Underline the word or expression in each group that does not belong and explain why.        

1. taxi, bus, elevator, subway

2. bag, cart, suitcase, luggage

3. automobile, boat, car, vehicle

4. fare, cost, rate, expensive

5. fixed rate, set rate, variable rate, flat rate

Fill in the Blanks – Choose the correct word from the list below to complete the sentences.

meter – tip – passenger – stand – trunk – fare – luggage

1. I gave the taxi driver a big ……… because he was very nice.

2. The airline will only allow you to take two pieces of ……. .

3. You can't park your car there. It's a taxi …….

4. The taxi driver told the …….. to put on his seat belt.

5. The taxi driver turned on the ……. as soon as he started to drive away from the house.      

6. It is a long way from the airport to downtown, so the taxi …….. will be very expensive.     

7. Our new car has a big ……, so we can take a lot of suitcases.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN

                                       Complete the dialog below with the appropriate expressions.

Taxi driver: ………………………?

Passenger:   Yes, I would.

Taxi driver: ……………………… ?

Passenger:   Yes, that's it.

(The taxi driver picks up the suitcase and carries it to the trunk)

Passenger:   I'm going downtown. Is there …….  or do you use the meter?

Taxi driver: I use the meter.

(In the taxi)

Taxi driver: ……………………….. ?

Passenger:   I'm going to Fairmont hotel on 5^th and Broadway.

Taxi driver: Okay.

Passenger: ………………………………..…?

Taxi driver: Oh, ………………….., so it might take awhile.

Passenger:  ………………………………….?

Taxi driver: Probably about twenty five dollars.

(Fifteen minutes later)

Taxi driver: Here we are.

Passenger:   ……………. ?

Taxi driver: ……….  $22.00.

Passenger:   …………. Keep the change.

Taxi driver: Thank you. I'll get …….. for you.

(The taxi driver opens the trunk)

Taxi driver: Here you go. Have a nice day.

Passenger: Thank you.