this is not the case in 
   many places around the world.

Uber has one gigantic advantage over all local taxi services from the custormer's point of view: Uber's unified, location-independent interface. You put in your credic card once, you learn the UI once, and it works seamlessly all over the planet. (Same with AirBnB.) This is a heaven sent for the frequent international traveller.

I understand why local taxi-driver lobbies are rent-seeking with anti-Uber legislation, but selflessly it aint.