Even if the only difference between Uber and taxis was that Uber seamlessly takes credit cards, that's enough to increase demand vs. walking / public transit fo

Even if the only difference between Uber and taxis was that Uber seamlessly takes credit cards, that's enough to increase demand vs. walking / public transit for the growing population that doesn't carry cash. Add in that an uber is much more likely to show up when called than a taxi, and all of a sudden it seems worthwhile compared to an airport shuttle or wheedling a ride from a friend. Finally, knowing you can get home after a late night without relying on the uncertainty of the taxi system may make you more likely to go out in the first place, again, increasing demand.