Once upon a time, a person could walk out onto a sidewalk, raise their hand, and get a cab. Or, they could call ahead, arrange a time and meeting place, and then have the cab come for them. Either way, that said passenger always got in the back of that vehicle, closed the door behind them, and set off on their journey in relative peace. It was a business transaction — a service designed to bring you to your desired destination in return for payment. It was a no muss, no fuss deal, and god, I miss those days.

In all the years I've lived here, Pittsburgh has never been a cab city. The advent of Uber and Lift was actually a godsend. Before them, there was no reliable transportation to or from destinations like the airport, no surefire way to get home after a night at the bar. They made thi...

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