It is NOT cheaper in SF. 2 miles costs at least $20 and can be as high as $40. I don't think I've been anywhere in the world where prices are that high for taxis and there are plenty of places in the world where taxis are plentiful.
I'm happy the services exist but they are not cheap, at least not here.
> It is NOT cheaper in SF. 2 miles costs at least $20 and can be as high as $40
Can confirm. Arrived at SFO late the other night (1130pm-ish) and Uber wanted $80 to take me from Passenger pickup, to my longterm parking lot which was probably 3 miles away.
It isn't the case they are more expensive than taxi's where I am. I take it now that isn't the case everywhere. And even in in the SF area I don't believe that taxi's would be cheaper if you lived slightly out of the core areas and had to call one to drive out to you.
I am also still extremely skeptical they contribute to higher prices though. If Uber and Lyft did not exist I believe (just a theory) that taxi prices would be much higher.
Perhaps someone who lives in a city where ubers are banned could state if taxi prices have grown over the years.
I'm happy the services exist but they are not cheap, at least not here.