[standardUser]

It's not clear to me how much the core Uber/Lyft business model needs to be subsidized to be sustainable. At this point, an Uber isn't any cheaper than a taxi is most cases. With surge pricing, it's often far more expensive.

[JumpCrisscross]

> an Uber isn't any cheaper than a taxi is most cases

They’re more reliable in more areas. If I lose something, I’ll get it back. The drivers are less likely to be on their phone, and if they are, it takes less effort to get compensated. (Also, pools are cheaper than taxis.)

With most taxi medallions owned by companies as, if not more, abusive than Uber, a congestion charge appears to be the best solution. This would lower supply evenly, letting prices be raised and thus creating room for compensation (and competition for drivers).

[paxys]

Not sure where you are getting your data from. They are still cheaper and more reliable than taxis pretty much everywhere.

[standardUser]

I am getting my data from paying for taxis, Ubers and Lyfts on a regular basis.

Of course rideshares are more reliable - and better across pretty much every possible metric! - but they are no longer cheaper across the board in the metro areas I have used them. Sometimes they are cheaper, sometimes they cost more, and in both cases we are now expected to tip.

[Jommi]

So you're basing this on experiences in a city in the US? Do you know how many cities Uber operates in?