A good analogy is the Airline industry. It is on demand just like uber, in transport just like uber, has pilots instead of driver (more expensive of course). Even with loyalty programs only a very small percentage of users lock-in with a single airline.
Huh? How? I always check traditional taxi and Uber (Lyft is not in my town yet) to see which is cheaper at a given time. Or do people get attached to buses too?
But there is a user lock in. After a while users won't switch. No matter the difference.
Users will switch if someone raises billions and spends that money subsidising rides for users and increasing the revenue for drivers. It's exactly the same model that Uber used to compete with taxis, and it works.
If Uber proves there's a huge market for their product then people will compete with them. This will happen whether or not there are humans or machines driving the cars.
Just note that in the end game the switching cost is much lower. You don't have to convince users and drivers, only users and buy a bunch of cars in one location.
Yet. Who wants to take bets on how long it will be before they get their start a points system and start offering an uber credit card? I'm guessing a year.
Not so sure about user lock in. Whenever I need a ride i always check both apps and pick the one offering the lower price and I know several people who do the same.