Sanosuke

Are you thinking of Japan, because *THAT* social pecking order is used there.

Sanosuke!

Jakebeth

A) I'd be surprised if the partitions in NYC were actually bulletproof, though it's certainly possible. Everywhere else I've ever seen them, they're about 1/4 inch thick and really there to stop pax from reaching over and/or stabbing the driver.

B) I always ride in the front seat of cabs in Israel. I wouldn't say it's expected, but it's definitely more fun, assuming you can keep your eyes open.

I'm more curious to know whether being a taxi driver is a respected profession in all of those other countries.

I don't think you're going to be confused with a corporate executive if driving a cab in Israel, but it's a real job there, not something you just do after getting off the boat, or only if you're a night owl. It's about as close to a profession as you can get without requiring an education of some kind. I think Israeli cab drivers probably have the best life. They sit around and argue with each other and eat sunflower seeds when they're not busy.

DeafFlyer

On every cab ride I've taken (mostly in Denmark, but also once here in DC) I rode up front.

alex0683de

That's how it is in both Germany and Switzerland as well. I also pefer to sit in the front because it's easier to give directions in case the driver doesn't know the exact place you want to go (i.e. he knows XYZ Street, but not #57 XYZ Street) and you will recognize it on sight.

In Shanghai, you're supposed to sit in the back, apparently, but I always sat in the front because the drivers never understood me when I tried to pronounce the street name in Mandarin, and even if they understood it correctly, they often had no idea where it was. Thankfully they understood me when I said "Left", "right" or "straight" in Mandarin. But you really have to be in the front seat and paying attention if you want to do that.

Analise

I rarely see the partition fully closed. It's usually over 1/2 open. On many cabs, there isn't even a partition anymore.

travelinmanS

I always sit in the front in Guangzhou, even though the sign on the door forbids men from sitting in the front seat. I feel like its easier to direct the driver if he gets "lost". Also I don't like the feeling of being in jail that I get from sitting behind the steel cage drivers have separating them from the back gates.

Wallstreet10006

1. Partitions aren't required on cabs that are owner-operated. Only the leasing companies need to provide a partition.

2. Cabbies don't like to close the partition because experience shows they get smaller tips when the partition is shut.

3. Partitions are NOT bullet-proof; they are made from bullet-resistant material.

4. When a passenger can ride up front is subject to interpretation. I was with two other big guys once and they sat in the back and I went to the front. The cabbie started balking that I had to sit in the back. After several exchanges, he saw it my way.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission's (TLC) rules state that a passenger who is unable to enter or ride in the passenger part of the taxicab must be permitted to occupy the front seat alongside the driver.

To me that means if there are two fat guys in the back, I can ride up front - but if my fat friends aren't with me, I ride in the back.

muzski

I just don't get the whole London minicab thing, why the hell are these cars not licensed with visible plates. It's just crazy in this day and age that this is allowed.

Globaliser

There are licensed minicab companies, but they generally stick to the rule that they're not allowed to pick up on the street. Only black cabs can do that. The dodgy minicabs are the ones whose drivers are standing on the street trying to get your business. But people take them, so they stay in business despite being illegal.

Jenbel

It's not allowed - that's the point But just because something isn't allowed, doesn't mean it doesn't happen

mush

More importantly, Shanghai taxis only have seatbelts in the front and given the way they drive and the traffic, sitting in front with the belt is much safer. And, as you note, the only way to talk to them, given the crazy plastic bubble surrounding the driver (in one of the world's safest cities).

lecter

Love riding in front in both Bucharest (my hometown) and Bangkok...like was mentioned about the Netherlands, in Bucharest it's an expected thing to chat with the cabbie. In Bangkok I usually keep headphones on throughout the trip, because my Thai doesn't extend enough to answer more than the usual 20 questions about meself and after a while it got boring. Also, the constant lane switching they love to do here wouldn't make my stomach feel too comfortable if I was rolling around in the back.

Edward Hamm

In Mexico, a solo male passenger will sit in the front, while ladies usually take the back seat.

abmj-jr

Welcome to Flyer Talk. Please do not "bump" 13 year-old threads.

Toshbaf

This is a very useful thread. If hidden, I would not have seen it.