[rbehrends]

Uber's problem is different. Uber-like services have been legal in Germany since pretty much forever (and many cities don't even have a cap on medallions for a straight-up taxi service). But Uber's business model is built around evading regulatory costs that their competitors have to deal with, and this is where Germany isn't budging.

First, a chauffeur's license is required to operate a taxi (or bus, or ambulance). This license is actually pretty straightforward to get and runs only to a few hundred Euro (renewable after five years), and the requirements are reasonable (no criminal record, good health/vision, knowledge test). These costs are a pittance for a normal taxi business, but pretty steep for a private person who only wants to moonlight as a driver every so often.

Second, insurance. There are strict insurance requirements for cars, and a private insurance generally does not cover commercial use of a car; Uber, for some reason, has been unwilling to foot the bill.

Third, taxis have to undergo annual roadworthiness tests (private cars are only required to have them every other year).

Overall, these are mostly pretty sensible regulations that are primarily concerned with passenger safety and welfare. So there is little interest in cutting back on them. But Uber's business model isn't compatible with that.