In 2019, Uber overtook taxis as the preferred private transport service of Australians, according to research by Roy Morgan. About 22.9 per cent of Australians aged over 14 used Uber, compared with 21.8 per cent who used taxis.

Uber’s presence in Australia has fundamentally reshaped the transportation landscape by breaking the traditional taxi monopoly and forcing a rapid modernization of the industry. Since its arrival, Uber has shifted consumer expectations toward app-based booking, cashless transactions, and transparent upfront pricing, leading to a significant decline in "street hails." To compete, traditional taxi companies like GM Cabs and 13cabs have been forced to develop their own sophisticated apps and improve vehicle standards, often incorporating SUVs and hybrid vehicles into their fleets. The competition has also led to legislative changes across Australian states, including the introduction of "passenger service levies" to fund taxi license compensation schemes. While the industry is projected to grow by 2026 due to increased middle-class disposable income, the traditional taxi model now coexists with a dominant rideshare sector, resulting in more choice for passengers but thinner profit margins and higher operational pressure for individual drivers and taxi plate owners.