“Uber and Lyft ... are destroying legit unsubsidized business (taxis).”
In many large metro areas, the so-called “legit” taxi companies were legalized monopolies. The value of the implicit subsidy they received could be measured in the value of the licenses or “medallions” required to legitimately operate. And they behaved like monopolies by delivering crummy service in trashy vehicles, often at high, fixed prices. Uber and Lyft disrupted these monopolies, which have had to respond by improving service and literally cleaning up their act or exiting the market.
The “taxi” companies were/are thieves.
In most places in the world a taxi only costs a few bucks to go a few miles, not $20 plus 20% tip to go 4 miles.
The medallions are theft by the municipalities who issue them on the taxi companies who pass those ridiculous costs on to their fares
Taxis are monopolies in their area, yes.
Vehicles for hire use public roads and infrastructure. This they are regulated or the public roads and infrastructure get exploited.
Perhaps you are a pure Libertarian and believe only in toll roads and unlimited vehicles for hire. If so I can’t help you. We currently do not have that system and there is NO level playing field.
I’ll cite two examples. Taxis are limited in my town to 2000. TNCs have no limitation at all. By their own admission Uber has over 40,000 drivers here.
Every time a taxi company replaces a vehicle they have to do a months long Environmental impact Report and the vehicle must be hybrid. TNCs have no such requirement and can use whatever vehicle they choose
I could list a hundred other irregularities on the playing field. It is grossly unjust and I can’t Believe it’s been allowed for so long.