I used to rely on taxi services when I was younger and living in a small city in NJ, because we didn’t own a car. You are absolutely correct about the difference between an Uber/Lyft and a taxi service. The taxi service needs to have proper approvals and licenses from the municipal government in order to establish a business. Their employees also need to be on the books and background checked with good driving history. When I relied on taxi services I knew most of the drivers that picked me up and I never felt unsafe. The dispatcher even knew our names. When I visit my old hood I still see a couple retired drivers because they lived where they worked.

There’s a reason cities do not want Uber/Lyft operating within their jurisdiction. Drivers are not background checked, drivers are also exploited by these companies and the gig economy which is complete bullshit.

I have told my neighbor to stop letting his teenage daughter take an Uber home, especially since I work in town and have the flexibility to pick up my kids, I could pick his up as well without any burden. I still see her coming in and out of the Uber and it terrifies me.