> Just tell them you don't have cash, and they'll make sure their card reader starts working.

They will actually usually just suggest driving past an ATM so you can get them cash.

A good alternative that usually works is if you suggest paying them with a cheque. Usually then their card reader will magically start working.

Try that at 3am and see if the cab driver cares.

Mini cabs are just as bad. I had one last week that was ordered by a top hotel, the hotel told me the guy accepts cards, the guy had card logos on the window, then when we arrive at the airport he tells me he'll add £10 to the bill if I want to pay with cards. I was this close to telling to go fuck himself and charge me the right amount on the card, but had a plane to catch and didn't want to waste time fighting so I went to an ATM and went back with the cash.

Uber may not be a perfect regulator, but it's apparently "good enough" and that's what the existing incumbent regulator can't stand - their own efforts to make cab drivers behave appear to be worse than what the private sector can provide.

But hey, what do Londoners expect when they voted in a Labour (left wing) mayor whose first act was to freeze the cost of public transport, thus gutting TfL's budget. Londoners also elected Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott. They don't get to turn around now and complain about excessive regulation killing off businesses they don't like!