[krschultz]

One of the reasons that ad supported models work is that the marginal cost of providing software is near zero. The marginal cost of providing rides is decidedly non-zero. I would argue that the marginal cost of a ride is going to increase from its present cost.

* There is a price war going on and some of the providers are losing money. In the short term this will continue, but long term it will correct itself.

* I believe the regulations on company -> contractors a la Uber will increase and that will cost Uber more per ride.

* Even if you think the drivers will be replaced with self driving cars, those cars will be more expensive than present day cars.

I don't think any of that is a problem for Uber as a business charging money. I do think it precludes ad-supported rides.