[nice_byte]

pretty much yes.

i used to live carless, and would need late rides on a regular basis. i was taking the fancy black lincolns in the days before uberX was introduced and pay ridiculous prices for them because uber was the only game in town - taxi services didn't need my money. it's not just that they were smelly or whatever - they were literally unavailable.

quality of service matters. having to sit in a filthy car - if you can even get a hold of it - and help the driver navigate is not good quality service.

there's demand for quick, convenient quality transportation, and uber fills it.