I would also choose an Uber for specific destinations or when there isn't a lot of traffic. They're the most comfortable ride, but they're not the fastest.
I think the fluctuating popularity between rickshaws and Ubers are a reflection of the transformation that India is going through as a developing nation. Rickshaws represent a more traditional means of getting around. These green and yellow vehicles seem to be every bit as important to India's identity as the cow. They can slip through tiny openings in rush hour traffic and they're everywhere. When rickshaw drivers don't know where to go, they ask other rickshaw drivers on the road for help. I can't imagine the streets without them.
On the other hand, Uber is something that the younger generation of Indians have been picking up. With modernization and the smart phone, Uber is a reflection of a modern India. It combines techonology and convenience to improve the daily commute. There's nothing easier than ordering an Uber from the comfort of my own home as I'm getting ready.
I feel India is at a crossroads. At present, neither rickshaws nor Ubers can replace the other as the premiere taxi service in India. With things like traffic jams and GPS issues in Bengaluru, I think both modes of transportation are necessary. There are times when one is a better choice than the other. Maybe someday I can see a combination of the two. Imagine an Uber rickshaw!
