Originally Posted by
Icarus2001
Only to a point. It was certainly an interesting spectacle to see; a multinational disruptor (the regulated) telling state transport authorities (the regulator) how it was going to operate. For the most part they got their own way.
However, they were forced to ensure a medical for drivers, a new add on class on the drivers licence, plus insurance (strangely optional) and vehicle inspections required. So not quite a free for all.
https://www.uber.com/au/en/drive/requirements/
Because if you're Uber driver doesn't follow the rules or breaks them, his cab doesn't come crashing down on a building killing hundreds of people onboard and hundreds in the building and wiping out a city block. That much should be obvious.
You could ask why cars don't require multiple back up systems and a Minimum Equipment List and DDG, again, the answer is obvious. The same reason a bicycle doesn't require traction control.