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Do those apps pre-date 2009? Otherwise what the parent said still stands: Uber really is an improvement on pre-Uber traditional taxi services.

I first started booking my taxis via website (apps were not really a thing yet) in 2002.

On the other hand, Uber Russia was acquired by Yandex Taxi

So, just like taxis who for some strange reason never seemed to accept credit cards, or would hold your luggage hostage if you didn't add a tip?

Not taking credit cards was just a thing for most German businesses before the pandemic. Not really specific to taxis.

Not all of HN is German :)