I don't know...the Syndey thing sounds callous and capitalist
but it's just a computer doing a supply and demand algorithm
In the US
they already waive surge pricing during emergencies I've taken UBER about 50 times in the last three years and I would say WITHOUT A DOUBT that the service is 100% better than DC and VA cabs, maybe even 500% better
the fares are fair if not cheaper, the drivers are much nicer, the vehicles are way better
and now thanks to GPS, people don't really need to know how to get places....that was the value of a veteran cabbie
Can't tell you how many times I got in a stinky cab in DC and he way over charged me and didn't know where he was going