I recently got my first smartphone and the main reason was to have access to Uber. Prices are 1/2 to 1/3 of taxis, with better availability. I'm not sure the pricing is sustainable and feel many drivers are just using Uber sell a fraction of their late model vehicle along with a small bonus.

The other day I grabbed an Uber from Pleasanton to Oakland. $33 for 30 miles. Not much in it for the driver, if you consider all the costs, but he works in Pleasanton and lives in San Leandro. As they say, a win/win. Uber lets you set a destination for your pickup twice a day, which allows commuters to be drivers. I like this use case and hope these types of lawsuits against Uber doesn't eliminate it.