Uber can drive in circles and up your fare too… They have per ride, mile, and minute fare just like taxis. The coverage thing is just a problem with New York’s medallion system. But also, speaking from experience, rideshare drivers can and will refuse rides into places they don’t want to go. The difference is you’re talking with dispatch instead of a single driver so they get replaced without you knowing anything. Traditional taxi companies also have a dispatcher you can call and they will handle the recalcitrant drivers, but they may also negotiate a dead head fee.
But guess what? Uber and Lyft build dead heading directly into their fee structure. If you go out of the zone you pay an extra fee so the driver isn’t completely out of luck making money.
Uber and Lyft really are just digital dispatchers for privately run taxis.