It makes sense for Uber to try to make money as opposed to just trying to tick off the incumbents, but it's consumers don't really care about its cashflow problems, they just want their cars to show up on time.
Rental car companies admit prices are increasing, mostly due to heavier city taxes, but the flexibility and independence they afford travelers continues to drive business despite higher costs.
Singapore is lucky to be elected the first Asian country to be bestowed with the gift of Uber, or so its founder Travis Kalanick will say when it undoubtedly runs into its first regulatory debacle.
Although valued at nearly half of Uber, Hailo has been thoroughly preparing for a full-throttle launch in 2013 by building a rapport with drivers and securing this second round of funding.
The taxi hailing/ridesharing legislation revolution is spreading from D.C. to New York and now back to where it all began. San Francisco will likely change the rules to allow for the new companies or institute a trial run like in New York.
The more old school service that involves actually picking up the phone might appeal to less techy drivers and legislators, but its name could easily be forgotten without a cloud of controversy following its growth.
The trial period will allow the TLC and app developers to work out kinks, but as one commissioner noted: "This trial period is like a marriage -- it's a lot easier to get into than out of."