> Which is why it's one of the biggest investors of those automated cars.
No, Google is. Google has poured more money into self-driving car technology than even auto manufacturers and Bosch.
> Furthermore, their earning potential doesn't instantly vanish. They just compete with existing transportation companies on more even terms.
Uber is nothing special. There is no stickiness. They are the Tinder of the mobility space. People will use whomever is the cheapest and meets their standard.
> They have a vastly superior product; there's no reason why they won't continue to be widely successful.
Unless they're forced out of existence through legislation and taxation. It doesn't matter if you're a tech startup if you don't own the roads. Atoms != bits.
I didn't say they were the biggest, but they are one of the big boys. They just opened a huge robotics facility in Pittsburgh and yoinked dozens of staff from CMU Robotics. They are betting big on automated transportation.
> People will use whomever is the cheapest and meets their standard.
Right. I will continue to use Uber/Lyft because it's cheaper/faster than regular cabs. Heck, I'd even pay a slight premium because it's so convenient.
Have you even used regular taxis in a non-metropolis area? It sucks.
Furthermore, their earning potential doesn't instantly vanish. They just compete with existing transportation companies on more even terms.
They have a vastly superior product; there's no reason why they won't continue to be widely successful.