In my mind there isn't a clear view as to what Uber are.
A driver does not make money if his Taxi is not running or it's running idle.
What Uber are currently doing is at least trying to minimize idle times.
Also, Uber win ultimately if all Taxi drivers in all the countries only affiliate with Uber (if Uber are so good at reducing their idle time)
But then, there is the aspect of self driving taxis. In that case Uber will win if Uber are the only operator and no competition is EVER allowed... which seems to be very difficult in the longer run. Mass-transit solutions will be more efficient than transporting only a single individual or maybe 3 or 4 at the same time ? So Uber may be the cost-effective somewhat luxury transit providers ?