> "are in effect paying a portion of their profits for the right to take part in an economy."

Through it's app, Uber is providing a known brand (as McDonalds does for burgers). People are welcome to open their own burger shops but when traveling, anywhere there is a McDonald's, I know it is safe.

Uber also provides the app technology which does cost money to maintain.

Like in the case of McDonald's, any driver is able to open up their own shop apart from Uber.