This was my experience too it was less cultural norms and more fear of gov that did it
Discussion
Yes! I was an Uber driver for 2 weekends to make some quick cash. About 6 years ago. Now they are relaxing the rules to drive passengers. Viva la libertad CARAJO!
Taxi drivers literally destroyed cars if they thought they were used for Uber, So, regulations or rules aside, it was not a good idea back then to have the passenger in the back.