Even in Manhattan it’s far less efficient. If I’m taking Uber/Lyft, it’s usually because I’m trying to get somewhere as quickly as possible and at a specific time, or because I’m feeling too lazy to use the train and just want a comfortable ride.

So my options are, 1) Call Uber/Lyft, be picked up right outside my apartment/bar I’m leaving, know exactly how much I am going to pay, have a clear idea on arrival time, have the ability to track the route so I know it’s legit, and (for the most part) have the option to go for a quiet and comfortable ride. Or 2) I walk outside and roll the dice trying to flag down a cab which may or may not be there/already be occupied, just hope the price isn’t outrageous, have little insight into ETA or ability to push back if the driver takes a bad route, and be forced to watch whatever they insist on playing on the TV they shove in your face.

Not to mention that if there are issues, it’s far easier to dispute payments on Uber/Lyft than it is with a yellow cab.

Uber/Lyft are scummy companies, but people really need to stop blaming them for the downfall of yellow cabs, without recognizing the plight of yellow cabs was largely self inflicted. They provided a shitty service for decades, and became a prime target for displacement as soon as someone figured out a way to compete. While it’s great these guys are getting a more liveable wage, they really need to fix a lot of these issues or they’ll eventually end up with no job at all.