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by nyghtly 1767 days ago
Uber makes sense to riders at subsidized prices, but it stops making sense once they start charging what it actually costs to provide that service. The reason we don't take taxis everywhere is because they're expensive and infrequent. Creating an app to handle dispatch didn't magically change this reality. The hardest parts of operating a taxi service (maintaining a fleet of vehicles, hiring and retaining drivers) have not gotten any easier, except in the case of Prop 22, which is an unfair advantage for Uber compared to other transportation providers.
1 comments

Even if the prices doubled overnight it would still make sense for my main uses: an on-demand designated driver or rides to/from the airport.

That said, I realize I'm financially better off than many people and would prefer to have safe, affordable, and widespread public transit.

I agree the premium Uber services will always be in demand in every big city. UberX is their loss leader to entice customers, and generate nice growth numbers.