Why is Uber better than a Taxi?

There are so many things Uber improved from the taxis.  

• Smartphone App with GPS.  This significantly improves the communication between riders and drivers, in terms of pickups, drop offs, payments, etc.  No need to call dispatch.
• Lower Fare. UberX is super cheap!  Definitely cheaper than taxis in most markets, if not all.  Just watch for surges.
• Upfront Pricing. Knowing the fare in advance is great.
• Dispute Resolution.  Since GPS tracks everything, there's a record of everything.  Easy resolution if there is a dispute.
• Receipts!
• No cash exchange!
• Rating system that provides accountability and promotes better service.
• No more strangers. No more riding with strangers.  Drivers are background checked and isn't some anonymous driver.  I even know his name when he pulls up.

Honestly, all of these things are areas I wanted taxis to improve ever since I started taking cabs in college.

People talk about the app which is the obvious answer.  Being able to see the location of the cars, payments, etc. are all great, but for me?  Where I am from, taxis are unreliable in terms of availability and pricing. 

When I call for a car, half the time it doesn't show up.  I don't even know if one was dispatched or if someone else just hailed it before a car got to me.  Who knows.  Sometimes they would tell me ont he phone that there are simply no cars available.  So I would have at least three phone numbers in my pocket, and I just have to call around.

Pricing. I am not the type to be taken for a ride, but the prices are erratic.  I do live in a city that has regulated pricing - somewhat, but every cabbie has his own price.  Most will quote you, but we all know it's made up.  This constant haggling and negotiation gets tiring. I mean, why.

So those are the reasons I am completely converted to Uber.  Sorry.

Like EVERYTHING?

It'd be quicker to list what's not better with Uber.  

- Hailing a cab on a whim is still faster.  In places like Manhattan or Boston, there are lots of taxis zooming by.  

- If you are at a transportation hub, finding a taxi stand is much faster and consistent.  

- Related to the above, Uber's GPS approach for pick-up is a bit hokey still.  The pickup location isn't quite right ever.  So the driver ends up caling 9 out of 10 times, which is a bit bummer.

- SUV prices.  Taxis don't charge more for SUVs and minivans.  

I will assume this is a serious question.

GPS enabled app where rider location and driver location are transparent.  Cashless transactions.  Records of everything that happens, including routes on a map, payments, messages, etc. 

..and the fact that it's like 50% cheaper on an UberX.

Wow, that's a loaded question lol.

No more stupid little TVs in the back playing ads on repeat!!

Taxi vs Uber... the answer varies greatly depending on the city that you're in. 

For me: 

Price: 

Taxi -     $2.60 drop, + $2.70 /mile + $0.50 /minute + $0.50 per extra passenger

Uber X - $1.95 service fee + $1.48 /mile + $0.25 /minute.  (up to 4 passengers) 

Also worth noting:  Uber drivers can usually be at most locations within 5 minutes.  With a taxi, unless you're near the airport or downtown, don't expect a taxi in under 20 minutes.  (if they even show up) 

Are taxi drivers better at navigating in the city?  NO  Most are recent immigrants that have only lived in the city for under a year. Admittedly, many Uber drivers are also clueless, but at least they have navigation to assist them. 

Are taxis more trustworthy?  We both require the same professional licenses, and need to abide by the same laws and regulations.  I don't see a taxi as being superior, since most switch from driving a taxi to driving for Uber when they can afford to buy an appropriate vehicle. 

I love it how the app works in any market.  Even in foreign countries.  Come on, that is awesome.

Where I am, Uber gets to me much faster.  I don't know if there are drivers who live ner me or not, but it gets to me in 5 minutes where I distinctly remember times when cabs took 15~20 minutes to get to me.  

I will also point out that Uber cars are consistently cleaner.  I hear cab drivers also drive taxis, but it must to do with how people take care of own properties more.  I haven't run into a dirty Uber yet.

I am a man in the 60s, and I am not tech savy.  I have a smartphone, but I use it for basic purposes, and I am certainly not the type to be an early adopter.   In fact, I think I will go as far as to say I hate anything high tech.

I definitely use Uber.  I still remember the first time I used Uber, and it was fantastic.  The app told me everything I needed to know about the type of car, how much I will pay, and where it will take me and even "how."

A real nice young man picked me up, helped me with my luggage.  When we arrived at the destination, I honestly didn't know what to do, so I asked him.  Do I have to do anything with the app, like tap something to complete it?  Do I have to enter something?  

The man told me I had to do nothing.  I just stepped away and was greeted immediately by my daugher and her family.

So for me?  Why do I take Uber over a taxi?

- No phone number.  I didn't have to look up a local phone number in Raleigh.

- Convenience.  I didn't have to call someone.  I didn't have to worry about paying.