Is it customary to sit in the back seat when using Uber?

[debodun]

I had occasion to use Uber when my car was being repaired. When I was picked up at the car garage, I started to get in the front seat and the driver encouraged me to sit in the back seat. I tried, but there was something wrong with the seat belt, so I ended up in front anyway. When they picked me up to take me back to the garage the driver (a different one) actually opened the back door for me to get in. A strong indication I wasn't welcome in the front seat.

 

[Teacher Terry]

Yes you are supposed to sit in the back. If for any reason you want to sit in the front you need to ask.

 

[Coconut]

Yes it is customary to sit in the back seat.
I would not want to sit in the front seat with the driver. That would feel weird to me.
I see people sitting in the front sometimes, maybe the seat belts are all broken.

 

[spectratg]

Same as with taxis, and I think that it is also a safety concern.

 

[LadyEmeraude]

I've only used Uber six times in my life.
Three of those rides I sat in the front seat.
Three rides I sat in the back seat.

I actually prefer the front seat.

 

[January]

Same as with taxis, and I think that it is also a safety concern.

I have never used an uber - but with taxis this is a very country specific custom

In Australia people sit in the front seat of taxis - would be weird to sit in back seat and leave front one empty

 

[palides2021]

I always sit in the back seat.

 

[Oldeagle66]

It's usually the back seat like cabs. I stopped using them because they were making mistakes and constantly bothering me with ads, plus turns out they are so popular, I went back taxi cabs and now find them cheaper now and less nonsense.

 

[That Lady in PA]

Back seat is the norm where I live

 

[seadoug]

I always sit in the back seat in an Uber. Typically the front passenger seat is moved all the way forward for additional leg room in the back seat, and IMO it would be weird to ask the driver to move it back so I could sit there. They clearly don't want you in the front seat, nor do I want to sit next to someone I don't know.

That said, when we've hired cars for airport transportation overseas and we've had too much luggage I've sat in the front seat.

 

[LoveTulips]

To me an uber is like a taxi, you sit in the back. To be honest, as someone else mentioned, I would feel weird sitting in the front with a stranger. I mean I'm forced to do it in buses, but why would I in a taxi? Unless I got carsick in the back, I would choose the back seat.

 

[Warrigal]

Yes it is customary to sit in the back seat.
I would not want to sit in the front seat with the driver. That would feel weird to me.
I see people sitting in the front sometimes, maybe the seat belts are all broken.

I don't know about Ubers but it is the norm for Australians to sit in the seat beside the driver of taxis.

 

[Naturally]

Never done Ubers, but sitting in the back feels right to me, as with any chauffeured transport.
Can't say I've never sat in the front but can't recall a specific instance either.
What do they mostly show in the movies? ... passengers in the back.

 

[oscash]

I always sit next to the driver when I catch a taxi, unless he says to sit in the back seat. I've only been in an Uber car and sat in the front seat. The driver was so friendly, and we talked about his life and how he came to Australia, he loved hearing my stories
also.

 

[Jules]

I’ve heard one reason for the driver wanting you in the backseat is for their safety. Another is they generally like to keep their paper records and goods on the front passenger seat.

Frankly, I prefer to sit in the back.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I've never attempted to get into the front seat of an Uber or Lyft. It is "understood" that passengers get in the back seat. I never bother to put the seat belt on when I'm in the back seat.

 

[MarkinPhx]

Actually, before COVID, it was common to sit in the front seat but that changed during all that went on and never changed back. At least that has been my experience..

I have taken Waymo rides a few times and sit in the front when I do.

 

[Jules]

I have taken Waymo rides a few times and sit in the front when I do.

That’s very brave of you. I admit to being cowardly.

 

[MarkinPhx]

That’s very brave of you. I admit to being cowardly.

I'm not a very good passenger when someone else is driving so I actually feel calmer with a Waymo. Plus, there is not the risk of having a driver who wishes to talk my ear off

 

[Trish]

Always in the back seat.

I believe it is for safety reasons, both in case of an accident and for the personal safety of the passenger and driver. It is why black cabs here have a sliding window between the front and back. There should be space between you and the driver, for both your comfort and protection.

One of my neighbours is disabled and always sits in the front seat but, they use the same taxi service and the drivers are aware that he has a disability and finds it easier to get in the front passenger seat.

 

[hollydolly]

I've only ever used Uber when I had to be going to hospital visit back and forth a few months go after my accident and I couldn't drive, and I just automatically got in the back, because I definitely wouldn't feel comfortable get in the front of a car with a stranger where 90 % of them can barely speak English anyway...

Co-incidentally, yesterday I was out front in the garden when an Uber pulled up, and my elderly disabled neighbour got in.. the front seat... and I thought then, that it was a bit strange.. but then she uses cabs a lot so perhaps she knew him...

 

[CallMeKate]

I've not used ride sharing of any kind, but I'd definitely sit in the back on the passenger side. And if I'd be an Uber driver, I would not want my passengers (unless there were more than 1 or 2 people) sitting beside me in the front seat either. Personal space.

 

[Oldeagle66]

I've never attempted to get into the front seat of an Uber or Lyft. It is "understood" that passengers get in the back seat. I never bother to put the seat belt on when I'm in the back seat.

I like that seat belt thing, smart move.

 

[Trish]

I don't know if it's a etiquette or not but, if I get into a cab alone, I always avoid sitting directly behind the driver. Years ago, I read about a cab driver who was attacked and robbed by a passenger sitting in the back seat behind him.

The local cab office was owned by an old school friend and, these days, it is run by his son. Some of their drivers have been attacked, probably because they still collect cash fares rather than online, like Uber.

 

[jujube]

I've only sat in the front seat when the back seat was full. Otherwise, back seat for me.