I think the comment is that even if you’re willing to confront the driver, you’re forced into an awkward social situation (the confrontation, yelling and anger,

I think the comment is that even if you’re willing to confront the driver, you’re forced into an awkward social situation (the confrontation, yelling and anger, having them angrily “get the card reader worker”). Many people (myself included) would pay to avoid such nonsense, so the “cost” of a taxi is often much higher than the meter fare. There’s other factors: dangerous driving, refusal to take you to your destination and the following confrontation (also illegal, but happens often), etc. All this also depends on where you are. Some cities have great taxis. I’m basing my opinion here on Toronto pre-Uber taxis.