In Paris, after using the local taxis several times, and after experiencing the horrifically rude drivers. I swore them off in favor of Uber. Now, France is trying to do the same thing as Germany (at the behest of the existing monopoly of asshole taxis). What you're witnessing here is the preservation of a state granted monopoly on sub-par service, not any real protection of the consumer. Personally, I prefer Uber's system when higher rated drivers get priority and users rate their rides to one where I have no choice, one where the state had made the decision for me (with predictably bad results). After all, what is the incentive to be a nice guy to your customers if they have no choice in choosing you.