>why wait for an Uber if you can simply flag down a cab? This is a big factor. I can cite an example in India. Mumbai has loads of taxis that don't try to scam

>why wait for an Uber if you can simply flag down a cab? This is a big factor. I can cite an example in India. Mumbai has loads of taxis that don't try to scam you (generally), always go by the standard meter rate and are reasonably well-maintained. If you are on a street you will definitely have at least one in sight and ready to go. I do not feel like calling an Uber and waiting. On the other hand, Bangalore has almost zero taxis. What it does have are auto-rickshaws who will try to scam you at every opportunity, overcharge by at least 2x and generally fight and harass you. They also refuse to take you if they feel like it. The result is that I always call an Uber in Bangalore, even if I have to wait 15 minutes (worst case). I think Uber definitely has an edge but I think it can be easily wiped out if the city has good taxi drivers.