“As it is right now when we get a call for a taxi, we can refuse it or take it. I take it,” said Hodoyan, who estimates he picks up 15 to 20 cab rides a day.

Before Uber (UBER) launched in 2009, there were pretty much only a few ways for travelers in need of a ride to get from point A to point B: call a taxi, hop on a bus, or call up a friend and ask ...