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Whilst Uber and the like have improved the cab situation in UK cities, it's hardly been revolutionary. It's become a bit more convenient and (sometimes) a bit cheaper.

What was the situation like in places like Portland before Uber? Were old-school cabs just unavailable or just really awful?

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Not Portland but I lived/drank in Eugene for awhile when Uber/Lyft were still banned (IIRC they've since been let in). Outside of metro areas there is only one answer to that question in my opinion, lots of drunk driving.

> Outside of metro areas

I guess this is key. Most places in the UK aren't that far from a town.

Does "metro area" have a precise definition? Would an small to medium UK town count?

In this context it's about mass public transit options and walking distance between a safe residence and wherever "downtown" is. Eugene and adjacent Springfield combine for a population of ~220,000 over ~88 square kilometers with limited late night transportation options other than sketchy and unreliable taxis.

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