[taormina]

Taxi-by-app existed pre-Uber, the innovation was making the taxi actual show up. Austin had the apps, and I would order one, and the taxis would get distracted on the way to my house and pick up other fares, so I couldn't go where I wanted. They had every chance to not be outcompeted by Uber, but they couldn't stop being taxis. And, here we are.

[zelphirkalt]

Not only did taxi by app exist way earlier, it was also wide spread ... in some big countries.

[eastbound]

> the innovation was making the taxi actual show up

Uber regularly doesn’t show up, just playing with “4… 3… 6… minutes left”. I always have to wait half an hour at a certain location, with a message “Just book a few minutes before your trip.”

I’ve had a friend miss his flight because of Uber not showing up!

[rhetocj23]

Im not sure why you got downvoted for that.

Ive noticed similar shenanigans with Uber eats - they are definitely playing around with stuff to increase profitability its clear as day.