Would have been able to find a taxi the moment you wanted it? Would you have trusted a random cab driver in your drunken stupor more than you trusted the Uber driver.
Note: I am not an Uber user.
Note: I am not an Uber user.
I've only used Uber 5 times, but I'm not convinced this is the problem they are solving. Not in this city anyway.
Now I stand waiting for an Uber for a few minutes and 1. it turns up 2. they never complain about distance or direction and 3. I get home safely.
I do however mostly avoid crazy surcharge periods.
Work Christmas party last week used a cab app as Uber was surging to ~2x. Did have to offer a $10 tip in the cab app to get one to accept.
Not sure about Australia, but in many parts of Europe it's uncommon stopping a cab by waving your hand while standing by the street. Some even charge higher fees if used this way. A common way is to order it by phone or app and wait for notification that it has arrived.