[Silhouette]

I've used uber in multiple cities in the US and taken cabs in multiple cities across the EU, and the uber experience beats cabs hands down. Everything is more convenient

You didn't mention which cities you've experienced in the EU, and in any case I've no reason to doubt your experience, but all I can say is that some places with traditional/regulated taxis don't seem to have the same problems. I'm in the UK and I can't remember the last time I had trouble getting a taxi at quite short notice even at a busy time of day, booking in advance is pretty much 100% reliable around here these days, and I've never heard of someone finding they can't get a cab in their area (unless you mean somewhere rural where there isn't a local taxi firm, I suppose).

[tluyben2]

I agree with the parent; I live in the EU and use both Uber and taxis a lot in Paris, Amsterdam, Malaga (and other cities in Spain), Faro, London; these are all quite heavily regulated and the normal taxi drivers are definitely generally unfriendly (sometimes they actually smell bad, will act annoyed because the ride is too short for their taste and cough without blocking their mouth and at one time a cab driver in Amsterdam had a baseball bat in his car because he got robbed too many times), the cars are far worse than Uber black cars and they are more expensive generally. In London I have been beside the road trying to get a cab for > 10 minutes while Uber takes less than 5 in most of the city. And I rather sit in an Audi a8 or Lexus than in a one of those uncomfortable London black cabs for less money (and free bottle of water which just makes it even better).

Edit: in NYC & Orlando I have the same experience by the way; unfriendly cab drivers, no seat belts, crap cars and generally more expensive. But I guess that's not well regulated?