It depends, in South Africa Uber basically created the personal taxi market all by itself, prior to Uber very very few people utilised personal taxi's. The big selling point being safety with car and driver being vetted.
Edit: Without a doubt many of my friends and family would have never have stepped foot in a personal taxi in their lives prior to the advent of Uber.
You’re right but I’m not sure it’s going to last. Also in SA having spent a year out of the country. The condition of the cars is worrying. I think many of the drivers initially bought/financed new cars and now that they’re out of service plan they don’t prioritize maintaining them at the same level.
Edit: Without a doubt many of my friends and family would have never have stepped foot in a personal taxi in their lives prior to the advent of Uber.