The irony or Russian tycoon, owner of "Vodka taxi", talking about mafia, is almost palpable. (I am Russian, so I am allowed to make this kind of non-pc joke /s)

The irony or Russian tycoon, owner of "Vodka taxi", talking about mafia, is almost palpable. (I am Russian, so I am allowed to make this kind of non-pc joke /s) On a serious side, the experience is similar in other cities as well. My friend had to do an early AM ride from Harlem to EWR. No taxis on the street, companies she called flat out refused (and she hates to make calls). Compare it to Uber who showed up on time, was very polite, she did not have to pull out cash or credit card, did NOT charge her the full cash fare tunnel toll charge, and cost 30% less overall. Even in Toronto where taxi drivers are generally a nicer bunch, I am regularly told that "my card machine is broken/not charged". If taxis want to compete with Uber, at the bare minimum they should "embrace and extend" what Uber is already doing: smartphone apps, rating system, card-less and cash-less billing.