I 100% agree that the model needs to be fixed and simply saying that it is a lot better than the taxi cab monopolization/industry is not enough. They need to behave like a real company and have real benefits and treat their drivers right vs. working them so hard with unrealistic expectations. With that said, I do love the Uber service. I personally do not drive for some personal reasons and it has literally saved me from having to use the bus system which, in the cities I live and am in-between that is a huge lifesaver!
Taxis are terrible. It's a predatory system that needs to die in a fire. However, Lyft seems to be able to do the ridesharing thing without people setting cars on fire in Paris. And I think that's the greater point of the article - Uber is at the head of the pack because they're the most predatory of any of the services and are making money so long as they can flaunt the laws. The minute they're held accountable as employers and as a livery service, their profit margins plummet. I agree with you - the car hire industry has been ripe for reform and something like Uber makes a lot more sense than $1m taxi medallions. BUT it's not like $1m taxi medallions evolved in a vacuum so while we celebrate their passing, we should also recognize that they provide some sort of intrinsic value that Uber has externalized away. I'll say this: fuckin' Uber stickers are three deep up and down the Blvd on Friday night. Considering taxis have to pay taxes to the city and Uber doesn't, that's me they're screwing.