> If there was a protocol for cab hailing, and anyone could roll it out for someone to connect to their network (like xmpp), and anyone could offer to become a

> If there was a protocol for cab hailing, and anyone could roll it out for someone to connect to their network (like xmpp), and anyone could offer to become a driver or play another role like customer support, they earn their local currency and are a part of their local economy. I think this overlooks the methods Uber used to build the market for app based cab hailing. Things that aren't core to running a cab hailing business (or protocol) but were important to getting a network started. Two things in particular - cash incentives for both drivers and passengers, and ignoring existing regulations. In the early days Uber gave free cell phones to many drivers, offered tons of cash bonuses to them as well, and offered tons of discounts to passengers. They aggressively recruited drivers from existing car services, offering the owners increased utilization rates of their cars. It also just walked into markets and setup shop in flagrant disregard for the rules. Importantly, it then aggressively encouraged users to protest when cities tried to crack down on it. Both of these would have been difficult for a protocol without Uber's level of funding to accomplish. Maybe a protocol could be launched now that the model has become normalized, but it would still be difficult to grow a network from scratch without funding. Decentralization and capital investment are tough partners. Hence most "decentralized" businesses actually being pretty centralized.