From looking at the condition of the drivers and the cabs they maintained before the arrival of Uber & Lyft, I don't think NYC's medallion system (or its equivalent in other cities) were following any modest safety requirements that were in place back then.

People loved these ride-hailing apps because of how lousy the typical taxi cab experience was for most people.

~ Most of the drivers were not native English speakers and would not put any effort into conducting their business genially.

~ They would refuse to take credit cards despite having card readers or would disable them to take cash.

~ At late hours you were at the mercy of the dispatcher (from the central office) if they would send a taxi at all or if the driver would take your business instead of ditching you to pickup passengers for longer (and more profitable) trips.

~ There was zero accountability in a whole host of areas like that.