Ironically it is often the socially concious union types that call Uber or Lyft.
Sure, in some regions there is what basically amounts to a taxi mafia. But aside from that Uber/Lyft offer the definition of a gig economy where people on both end believe to be winning. Depends on the country, but in most countries it isn't the price sensitive choice.
This stuff happens everywhere. Look at Trader Joes and Whole Foods. TJ has been owned by Aldi, one of the largest grocery corporations since the 1970s. It's non-union and is currently doing the mobbing thing that starbucks did in the 90s to squeeze out independent grocers. They're being bastards.
Sure, in some regions there is what basically amounts to a taxi mafia. But aside from that Uber/Lyft offer the definition of a gig economy where people on both end believe to be winning. Depends on the country, but in most countries it isn't the price sensitive choice.