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On the subject of medallions, last I heard that was a point of contention. Uber has been operating without them, and taxi companies don't like that. You play by the rules and pay a huge lump sum to be allowed to operate, and then some guy comes along and undercuts you because HE doesn't have to pay that lump sum? You wouldn't like that either.

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Medallions required to pick people up on the street. Über is classified as a limo -- pre booked, no curbside pickup. Los dint need medallions.

However, the structure was created for old style limos: I.e. fat cat or prom kid books for hours, days in advance, not competitive with a taxi.

One could reasonably argue booking an uber 1 minute before pickup for a ten minute ride is a lot more like a taxi than a limo.

Exactly. Uber is following the letter of the law, but the argument can be made (not unconvincingly I might add) that they really aren't following the spirit.

Note I am not criticizing Uber, as they clearly are obeying the law! But to some it looks like they are skirting it, benefiting from a loophole.

The argument can be made that the law is bullshit.

Either way uber has a serious competitive advantage over taxis.

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