When Uber first launched in San Francisco in 2010, it was a disruptor in the market. Its goal: to replace the existing passenger transportation system with a more progressive startup model. Having the first-mover advantage gave Uber a strong start, and no one can deny they’ve had an impact—but they have yet to meet the expectations they set out for themselves. Uber lost over $700 million in Q1 of 2017, and the transit industry has much to learn from their trajectory.

Without competition, the taxi industry …