Totally agree that in the past Taxis were MUCH more of a crapshoot, but lately they've really stepped their game up, which I think is attributable to Uber/Lyft.
So all in all, I think it's been a net positive for the consumer.
So all in all, I think it's been a net positive for the consumer.
Uberx is much nicer for an extra dollar or two (for standard trips), no more farty taxis.
But using my power of recollection - taxis were a crapshoot before uber came along too. Some were okay, some were disgusting.
I have not had (after a night out at a comedy lounge with my wife) an uber driver chase me into another uber, try and yank open the door yelling "I was first in line! You fuck! You Fuck! Get out!" while my taxi driver speeds away tires squealing.
Since uber came along, the quality of standard taxis here in Perth has increased dramatically. The result is a net positive.