12 August 2018: Comment on New York Times article about Uber

This comment is in response to the New York Times article on 9 August 2018, Uber and the False Hopes of the Sharing EconomyI have been a small business owner for most of the past 40 years. I have also been an Lyft / Uber passenger for the past 2 years. However, I cannot understand the complaints about Uber / Lyft, particularly regarding taxis.
First, no business lasts forever. It is incredibly naive for the taxi drivers to rely on their business model continuing indefinitely. Ride sharing is not exactly new - they should have found a way to deal with it years ago instead of whining. What makes them so "special" that we should sympathize with their rigidity and lack of foresight? Most of us in business know we have to adapt over time or the business will fail.
Second, most Uber / Lyft drivers that I have driven with (over 200, mainly in the Miami and Detroit areas) are happy with their job. They may be wrong, but at least in their minds, they are making a reasonable living. Personally I think Uber / Lyft are taking too much of the pay - it should be 15% at most but it was often 30%.
Third, I left taxis and will never go back because of the bad treatment I received from them. They lied and claimed they could only accept cash because the machines were broken (that is what got me to switch). They were rude and unfriendly. Their driving was erratic. Usually, it was not a pleasant experience. Finally, I never knew what it was going to cost, but with Uber / Lyft, I know, and there is no payment transaction. Also, the rides are generally pleasant, and often interesting.