First stop should be the cultural police. Depending on what country you are in and your culture, is it appropriate for a woman to sit with a man unattended? If not, don’t sit in the front. Second stop is, would the driver be more comfortable if I kept my distance. The answer is YES! It’s a crazy world and every opportunity to avoid trouble needs to be evaluated. Sitting in the rear passenger side seat is the ideal from the driver’s perspective. It maintains maximum distance while allowing direct line of sight viewing. Sometimes if it is a long ride and the pax has shown themselves to be worthy, I will invite them to sit in the front. It’s on a case by case basis though. The front seat laid back is a lot more comfortable for a quick snooze.
Ok, when I call an Uber and it’s empty, do I sit in the front with the driver, or in the back alone?
Ask a Passenger
Do you have comments or questions to people who take rideshares? Any driver advice for your passengers or other ridehailers? Share your thoughts, feedback, complaints and have them be heard by real rideshare riders.
Frank Pressly (fpressly)
Ride Apprentice from Greenville, SC
Video te ego audiam vos ego sentio tibi. - Cat herder - Uber/Lyft 3000 rides
I have been a ride share driver for almost three years. While I like the ride share concept, I truly hate it's implementation and the way Uber and Lyft have so little regard for their work force. I am for the little guy. I seek to right injustice and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. It's usually the ones you find hardest to love that need it the most. Please enjoy my opinion and if you like (or even if you just welcome the effort), an upvote is a digital pat on the back and is most appreciated. I invite you to read my other comments and upvote them as well. Thanks
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Comments
Doesn't matter to me. If they get in my car with intentions to hack me into little pieces its not going to matter where they are sitting:) I am driving watching the road and GPS not their every move. While driving if someone pulls a gun its not going to matter what seat they are in. I am screwed. I hate the backseat as I get a headache and somewhat anxious then again I dont like any seat unless its the drivers seat. Thats why I dont Uber. If you feel more comfortable up front just ask the driver when they show up. You can also text them after they accept ride. It can take any awkwardness away if you are shy or driver feels uncomfortable saying no to a rider in person. The only thing I ask if a rider sits up front dont back seat drive and dont be reaching around playing with radio, bluetooth, etc . Its annoying.
A number of years ago in Denver I got picked up by an Uber driver in a pickup truck. I didn't know you could drive a pickup for Uber. Maybe that's changed since then. Anyways it was just a two seater so I had no choice but to sit in the front. Driver was a nice guy, if a little eccentric. Other than that I'm always a rear seat kind of guy. More room back there!
I totally agree. Front seat is just bad. Rear driver side is creepy AF. I always have a fear that I am going to get garrotted with a piece of piano wire when someone sits alone directly behind me (what does that say about me).
Rear passenger side is the sweet spot. It is possible to have small talk with the driver side from there but does not feel required. And I can see them easily.
Sit in the back. Front seat is where I have all my crap. I mean, I'll clear it when I've got a full car load but I prefer single riders just sit in the back.
that, and it's just... kinda weird when someone sits up front, alone. I don't really mind tbh but it's just a little awkward sometimes. Usually those people are really talkative which is ok by me.