That used to be the case, but Waze has turned the table on knowing shortcuts/the city/traffic. So we're left with the service aspect, which has basically disappeared from society in the last 20-30 years - I can't find any evidence of it in retail anymore for example.

I do not disagree that it is much more enjoyable to drive around with a taxi driver who knows the city, proud of his work and has a "how may I help you attitude"; I paid 50 quid for a short ride in London 20 years ago and found that quite enjoyable - but if it wan't for the monopoly (which uber has managed to subvert, often illegally), you wouldn't have to wait until 2015 to get "just the transportation and nothing else" - which is what most people actually need.