[bigdaddy45]

Uber is great. And its even better because liberals hate it.

[Alberta's Child]

One plausible response is Uber simply capitalized on the deeply-rooted dissatisfaction of many taxi riders by offering them a cheaper, more reliable, and more comfortable means of transportation.

Another plausible explanation is that Uber put together the perfect business model:

1. They generate revenue from drivers who don't work for Uber.

2. The company takes on no risk, and has no "fleet" to maintain as assets.

3. When you factor in the cost of fuel, operating/maintenance costs, and depreciation of vehicles, you'll find that most Uber drivers probably earn less than the minimum wage.

Uber is basically an app for gypsy cabs. I think it's a great business model while it lasts. I don't think it's going to last very long.

[Alberta's Child]

In virtually every case, city or state officials that ban ride-sharing services such as Uber ultimately do so in order to prop up the failing taxi industry and appeal to special-interest groups, rather than the citizens who elected them.

New York City is a great example of how these ride-sharing services work once they get established and are on the "inside" of a crony capitalist arrangement. Uber is now a partner of the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission, and is working with the TLC to outlaw Lyft in New York City.

[fatnotlazy]

I set up an account not long ago and have used Uber several times already. IMHO, the vehicles are cleaner and well maintained, and for the most part, the rides are cheaper than a cab. Plus the drivers I've had are friendly and courteous, and they actually know how to drive. I can tell some horror stories about a few cabs I've been in.

All of this means the cab companies hate Uber and have been trying to drive the company away. No luck. This is capitalism and free enterprise at its finest.