Thank you for the variety of responses.... I must now assume that it is a cultural thing. In Los Angeles, I notice many taxis have a clear sliding divider between the front and rear seats....I assume to make it more difficult for a passenger to rob the driver. I believe the only time a driver in L.A. would like someone sitting in the front is if there are already 2 passengers in the rear seat. I've never been to NYC, but from TV and movies it seems passengers are expected to sit in the rear seat there also.