Taxis feel so much more expensive, but it's cause theyre licenced, regulated, and better paid

I walk everywhere, and take public transport as a treat when it rains

I really think this is it. Calling for a cab was an effort. pushing a button in an app that says, "I need a cab here" was the secret sauce Uber provided. That's old news now. They also had a benefit of pricing while they had VC, but that's evaporating.

For the record, I don't uber or equivalent. I either am or find a DD or "rideshare" with friends and family.

I haven't used them, but there are taxi apps that seem to hook into the less-predatory transport businesses. Pricing may not be as competitive, but that comes with the drivers earning a stable wage.