Somewhat stupefied, I hailed the next cab in line and politely asked the driver if I could sit up front as it was easier for my leg.

BBC: In Paris, the customer is not always right

Indeed, the few times a second team member does sit up front it's to help the driver navigate big-city traffic, mostly as a second set of eyes out for cyclists, rickshaws and tuk-tuks.

WSJ: How to Run Up a $100K Cab Fare? Exit British Pub, Turn Left in Mumbai