My own impression taking Uber is that same trips would have cost me more than twice if I were to take a regular cab. The reported $470M operating loss on $410 r

My own impression taking Uber is that same trips would have cost me more than twice if I were to take a regular cab. The reported $470M operating loss on $410 revenue seems to be somewhat in same ballpark. I don't believe current pricing is sustainable. I don't see any cost advantage for Uber other than paying drivers less than the drivers-owners of regular cab service. IMO, Uber may be hoping that once regular cab services are put out of business, Uber can raise the prices. The sustainable long term value prop seems to be ability to call up a cab using mobile app on your phone (request and dispatch portion of regular cab business). Everything else appears to contribute to loss. I also don't believe time has come for self-driving cars or will be in next 5 years at least. If another technology bust happens before self-driving cars become popular, these projects will go on the shelf if not cancelled (like the pet projects of founders and executives in 2000 dot bomb).