MAN: This is Vancouver International Airport Information Desk. How may I help you?
WOMAN: Yes, hello. I’m arriving on a flight from Auckland, New Zealand on Monday, and I need some transport information.
MAN: Sure. Where will you be heading to upon arrival?
WOMAN: I need to get out to Vancouver Island, to a place called Nan...something.
MAN: Nanaimo, you mean?
WOMAN: Yes, that’s right.
MAN: I can certainly help you with that. There are a few ways to get out to the island. One is to take a flight directly from the airport here in Vancouver.
WOMAN: Is that expensive?
MAN: Um...not too bad. Flights start at around $250 round-trip. It’s not cheap, of course, but it’s definitely the quickest way.
WOMAN: Well, that’s not too expensive, but I’d like to hear about my other options.
MAN: OK. You can also take the SkyTrain from the airport to downtown, and then take a bus from there to the ferry port at Horseshoe Bay. The ferry then takes you directly to Nanaimo.
WOMAN: That sounds complicated.
MAN: Perhaps, but it’s inexpensive and the ferry route is very scenic. Some people would even say that it’s a magical experience.
WOMAN: It does seem lovely. But is there any way to go directly from the airport to the ferry?
MAN: You could rent a car at the airport and drive directly to Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry. The car rental would cost about $60 per day, and a one-way fare with a car on the ferry is about $40. Round-trip you pay, oh, around $70.
WOMAN: Hmm. I don’t know if the cost is worth it.
MAN: Well, think about it this way. If you rent a car, you’ll have an easier time getting around the island as well.
WOMAN: Good point.
MAN: The last option is to take the SkyTrain downtown and then to take a helicopter to the island. But to be honest, it costs just as much as a regular flight, and would take twice as long.
WOMAN: I think I’ll just rent a car.
MAN: All right. Well, I can assist you with the reservations now if you’d like.
WOMAN: Really? Over the phone?
MAN: Yeah. I just have to fill out a booking form, and then you’ll receive an email with instructions on making payments and confirming the reservations.
WOMAN: Lovely!
MAN: Now, first I need your full name please.
WOMAN: It’s Norma Wellington.
MAN: Could you spell that last name for me?
WOMAN: Sure. W-E-L-L-I-N-G-T-O-N.
MAN: Perfect. And how many days will you need the rental car for?
WOMAN: Let’s see...six days, I guess. I arrive Monday and depart Saturday.
MAN: OK. And do you have a preference for the type of car? The rental agency has mid-sized and full-sized cars. Unfortunately there are no more compact cars available that week.
WOMAN: Um...I think a mid-sized car will do me fine. I’m travelling alone, after all.
MAN: Got it. So, the rental fee includes basic collision insurance, but you can upgrade to a comprehensive insurance package that covers incidental damages, emergency medical care, and car theft.
WOMAN: How much more does that cost?
MAN: It’s an additional $20 per day.
WOMAN: That’s a bit steep. You know, I don’t think I’ll need that. The basic insurance plan should be fine.
MAN: Sure. What else? Let’s see... Oh, would you like me to pre-order your ferry ticket as well? It’s valid for any of the ferries to Vancouver Island on Monday.
WOMAN: Why not? Will the cost be added to my car rental bill?
MAN: Yes. I’ll send you a confirmation e-mail with all of the information for your transportation arrangements, and it will include a breakdown of the costs incurred. If there are no problems, you can make your payment online with a credit card.
WOMAN: Wonderful. You’ve been most helpful. I really appreciate it.
MAN: It’s my pleasure. And I hope you have a wonderful trip to Vancouver Island.
WOMAN: I’m sure I will. Cheers.