Uber disrupted taxis because taxis were a sleazy experience, with dirty old cars, “broken” meters and rude drivers that tried to get you to pay extortionate prices if they knew you were in a pinch.

Stop trying to venerate the taxi industry, they’re horrible.

I think that depends on what part of the world you live in.

My experience of taxi companies in the UK is that they are generally safe, reliable and operate based on reputation.

My experience of taxi's in the US is that they appear to be often operated by desperate people living on the edge of existence.