Would they need to pass red tape to have their customers hail with an app rather than call a dispatcher? Sounds like the medallion system isn't the only thing wrong here.

They have an app. It's also more regulated.

Taxis are also horrible so I'm not convinced they could compete in any case but it's not a fair playing field.

My bet though is on Lyft/Uber becoming just as horrible once the VC money dries up. It will be interesting to see what legislation will arise between then & now.