In many ways, it seems very similar to the taxi industry, which only seems to be as profitable as it is (in addition to safe and reliable) thanks to regulation

In many ways, it seems very similar to the taxi industry, which only seems to be as profitable as it is (in addition to safe and reliable) thanks to regulation and a sanctioned geographic monopoly. Somehow I doubt such a monopoly will be granted to a single corporation like Bird, though perhaps there is another path to viability.