You think Uber forcing their drivers to own their car and pay for insurance is better than the medallion system that currently exists in the taxi cartel? That's rich.
Take a minute to read this study that SDSU did a few years ago on the Taxi industry in San Diego. It's not good. It goes into detail on the 'lease' system for medallion system of taxis. Where drivers are forced to work long hours to cover the cost of their lease in order to pay for the right to drive. To the issue of Uber drivers not making a minimum wage, that's because they are independent contractors....just like the majority of taxi drivers...who as well run into challenges making a good living.
Both Uber and Taxis have their issues. The but they are not the same due to the medallion system. If people actually GAF about the safety of riders and the compensation of drivers they would look to a pivot away from medallion systems and apply regulations equally along side providing EQUAL access to fairs. This is mostly airport runs. Until people take this approach, it's really just picking between two systems that need correction.