Of course Ubers business model is lower cost - it doesn't need...

Of course Ubers business model is lower cost - it doesn't need to pay any of the overheads of a licenced taxi service. But hey, if you want to get into a car and not be covered by insurance in the case of an accident, thats your choice. I do not.

Only no, as the govt is forcing Uber drivers to have appropriate insurance, and police clearance, and vehicle safety inspections and, yes, pay tax on their earnings, are Uber starting to squeal like pigs that their drivers cant afford it. Sorry, those are the costs of doing business. I agree that some costs are artificial (eg, taxi plate cost), but I for one want the guarantee that my trip is insured, the car is independently audited and that there is at least a chance I am not being driven by a criminal (taxi industry issues notwithstanding!)