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"Taxis already share all the data the commission is requesting from Uber."

I think that's the key detail

If the argument really boils down to "everyone else is doing it" or "that's what we've always done!" they should stop and apply some critical thinking.

"everyone else is following city regulations"

Taxis accepted a lot of obtrusive regulations because they were granted a monopoly by the city. I don't see why Uber should obey these regulations when they are not getting any such sweetheart deals.

Who is the monopoly here? Anybody is free to buy a medallion and own a yellow cab.

Besides yellow cabs there are also private livery cabs aka "black cars/car service."

"CURRENT OWNERSHIP: 17 percent of medallions are owned by cab fleets; 54 percent are owned by leasing agents, who delegate management to fleets; and 29 percent are owned by independent drivers"

http://nymag.com/nymetro/urban/features/taxi/n_10292/

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