Payments are via PayPal. The driver's photo is included along with vehicle information. Drivers are not tipped, can't accept them. Drivers are tipped by rating them strictly on service. Customers are rated, as well.
The drivers (well, a device, anyway) are tracked to show you who the closest is. You can select a driver based on location proximity to you.
Rates are published.
A friend of mine at work uses them exclusively over taxis. Taxis in our area are anything but clean and nice. The drivers are not always friendly, either. My friend's experience with Uber is quite the opposite.
Also, on top of all of that, you can pay for an upgrade to the type of vehicle you want (somewhat like a limo service).
So, you can see who should be picking you up, there is an electronic record of it, should anything happen, and you don't have to carry cash. Works for some, not for others. Isn't that the way it should be?
Beats NYC situation hands down. But the issue is the political connex vs. what is bs’d to the union thugs supporting the current regime, that then provides cover for this type of service. Been in some pretty crappy cabs over the years so I can see the appeal.