> Zimmer likes to compare the dynamic between Uber and Lyft to AT&T and Verizon. When both cell networks hit three bars of coverage, people start to see them as equivalent, and base their spending decisions on other factors, such as brand values and customer experience.

That's the key quote in the article. In San Francisco, Lyft and Uber have both long passed the "good enough" bar. They both get to you in ~5 minutes and take you where you want to go very reliably. They have parallel product lines, identical pricing, and similar surging tendencies.

This leaves room for brand preference. I know I am not the only one of my friends to choose Lyft whenever possible because I believe they are friendlier. Uber has a reputation for being profit-driven sharks. They're very professional, but don't get in the way of their money. Lyft has the feeling of taking a ride in a friend's car. I personally like the latter, and I think there are enough people who agree with that to keep two players in the market.