I don't think its Uber or Taxi that is the problem.
It's really the 'City' populace behaviour.
Seems big cities just provide poor behaviour and people from both Worker & Customer angles.
I work 'Taxi' - not in a big city. Customers from the Big Cities tell me a lot of stuff, especially when the question comes up about 'no Uber' in my area. It boils down to poor professionalism by Industries and Customers alike.
As a 'worker' I would have to have a 'club' with me and sit inside a 'bubble' for self protection (in the big cities) and customers would have workers trying to rip them off at any (desperate) opportunity for the extra dollar.
Got told tonight (by Sydney couple) how Uber (and other) try to pump out 'surcharges' on top of fares and even how Cabbies in Sydney try to cash in with 'surcharges' (B/S fees) blaming Uber, etc. All of them 'scamming' customers who are also abusive and dangerous in their own ways.
It's the 'desperation' of city living that 'drives' the poor professionalism and consumerism attitudes.
Of course, yes - Uber is like Tiger Airlines or 'Jetstart' etc.
You get what you pay for and that's an industry that has thrived on the 'cheap Asian labour' or 'USA wage for Tips' style.
Of course, once you're 'hooked' onto Uber, they will of course jack the price up considerably. Like Gas prices give no real advantage over petrol anymore.
I will admit that Customers win with Uber. But Uber workers miss out heaps.
Taxi workers win, but Customers lose a bit - especially if Taxi's are not providing a higher 'quality' of service.
Mind you - 95% of my customers feel happy with the Cab service I'm in and don't whinge about that extra 10c, but nor do I 'press the button' as soon as they open the door either and I 'give tips' just like I receive them. No need for 'desperate' measures where I work.
So just face it - it's Big City living that's the real problem.
I welcome Uber. Competition is a good thing all round. Keeps 'complacency' away and monopolisation. Taxi's now have to provide a better service to justify their more expensive cost. Uber should pay their workers better (which means increased costs and thus have to raise fares).
Soon, if Uber survives - it will just be like another Cab company.
I wish to thank all my customers tonight, even the local aboriginals - who gave me 'tips'.