You could say the government created monopoly of the taxi medallion system was a taking, too. It was just apportioned among all riders in the form of higher fares.
It is of a sort I guess, but from a legal standpoint, who specifically suffered demonstrable financial damage in order to make them whole? Can increased taxi fares directly resulting from the medallion system be demonstrated beyond doubt? Not sure it can be.
I appreciate your perspective. The taxi drivers bought medallions because that was the ONLY way to get a decent retirement in the taxi business.
Just like you go into plumbing (which I know is a harder job)
You get in as a slave and a apprentice and journeyman and pay all your dues and take your classes and pay your dues and pass your tests and do your continuing education so you can work.
Then after you invest in all the equipment and whatnot and advertise and build up your client base OH! The government says anyone can be a plumber. No tests no license no fees no investment if time...
Wait. YOU still have these requirements. It’s just that several hundred thousand others don’’t.
The government has 100% destroyed a lot of hard working cabbies. They were playing by some stringent rules. They still have to keep them but masses of others done.