The problem here is that it still leaves drivers with all the overhead. While it’s good that they’re making all the profit generated, the scalability and reliability aren’t great because of that.
Taxis are a business that particularly benefits from at least minor consolidation. A company with a decent reputation and a handful of cars is likely to have connections with local businesses to get the word out, and they’re also able to absorb vehicle wear and damage while still turning a profit.
If my cab breaks down it gets towed, I grab another cab, and we keep making money. If my own vehicle breaks down doing rideshares, suddenly I have no transportation and no means of income until it’s fixed.
On the customer end, cabs are also a lot safer. You’re riding with someone who’s been vetted, who has a decent driving record and who can pass a background check. They’ve also potentially got a lot more time on the road than someone who’s starting to drive for Uber and hasn’t run into the logistics issues yet. Never mind that they’re probably local and familiar with the area, whereas every single Uber I see around here has out of state plates.
Actual ride sharing, like, independent people using things like bulletin boards to both get to work together at a mutual benefit, is a fantastic practice. But when you try to make it some big service you basically get a half assed replacement for taxis that shift the financial burden onto drivers and cut prices as a result.