For myself, and I'm sure others, the apps took off because: 1) Fares were lower when the 'x' versions came out. Original Uber was limo/SUVs to/from LAX and out

For myself, and I'm sure others, the apps took off because: 1) Fares were lower when the 'x' versions came out. Original Uber was limo/SUVs to/from LAX and out of my price range. Then UberX came out. I don't use Lyft Line or whatever Uber's version of that is. I only 'share' rides with friends. 2) Convenience. The apps made it convenient to call and get an accurate assessment of when a car will show up. It sucked getting a taxi company to send a car reliably and know when they'll be around. 3) Crap drivers. In LA, every taxi I took I had to direct them step-by-step (unless it was an airport pickup as those folks seemed to know what they were doing) and they weren't that great to interact with, if it was necessary. For the most part, Lyft drivers have been great (if sometimes weird). Uber drivers the past few years have seemed to basically be former taxi drivers. Even after years of using the apps (and I mainly use Lyft now) I still think of it like the gypsy cabs I used to get in Russia, only much safer (for me as a guy) and more formalized (no haggling over payment). It will be really interesting to see how Uber/Lyft and whoever else come along do when autonomous cars come along. I hope it's not a race to the bottom in terms of safety and reliability. I also wonder what will happen to the drivers. I think right now people mainly use it to make some extra cash. I'm assuming there are some full-time Uber/Lyft drivers? But it will be another victim in this 'gig' economy where low/no-skills are replaced by automation. My only other concern is who is going to clean up the trash from the cars after each ride? Will there be a vomit alert or tax if you someone gets sick in the back after a wild night out? It would seem you would almost need a car to come in for service after most every ride unless it's somehow being monitored.