[unpolloloco]

The value to Uber is that it broke the taxi monopoly. Especially in second tier cities where calling a taxi meant that they might show up...eventually. This enables people to go out without a car - making more locations accessible and (maybe one of the largest benefits...) discouraging drunk driving. Environmental benefits are...highly overstated...but you can say the same thing for pretty much any innovation outside of the energy industry.

[seunosewa]

the article mentioned Uber and Lyfts' effect on the taxi monopoly near the end:

"On Sunday, I decided to forego the long wait for a Lyft and the absurdly high congestion pricing. I hopped into a cab and was home in 15 minutes. The tab: $34.69.

The driver asked me for cash, of course.

But when I brandished my credit card, he did not utter a peep of protest. Maybe — just maybe — I have Uber and Lyft to thank for that."