In my city (Toronto) taxis actually upped their game in response to Uber/Lyft, though not before fighting it tooth and nail. Before, you'd often get an ancient cab that the driver was (illegally) smoking in before you arrived and would often (illegally) refuse shorter trips. Half the time, the the electronic payment machines were "broken" and you'd get drivers threatening you if after arriving at your destination you refuse to go to a bank with the meter still running.
In most of North America, the taxi industry is notoriously corrupt and has been that way to protect their medallion systems. While I do feel for some individual cab ower/operators, I don't feel bad for the industry as a whole despite Uber being a horrible company.
In most of North America, the taxi industry is notoriously corrupt and has been that way to protect their medallion systems. While I do feel for some individual cab ower/operators, I don't feel bad for the industry as a whole despite Uber being a horrible company.