This as going on way before Uber.
In Honolulu the taxi lobby for a long time prevented the city bus system from routes to or even near the airport. When they lost they got laws enacted that you could not carry a suitcase on a city bus. They also have worked triple overtime to prevent the new light rail system to be routed to or near the airport.
As is always the case, it’s about protectionism and people getting government to be their bullies making laws that “regulate” competition.
Obviousely