When new competition arises, government-protected monopolies often seek further regulation to help suppress the comptetition.

In a refreshing twist, however,

A group of Boston taxi operators sued the city last year alleging they are being treated unfairly, in part because they have to buy expensive medallions to operate, and ride-hailing company drivers do not.

U.S. District Judge Nathanial Gorton on Thursday dismissed many of the taxi companies claims, but allowed claims that their equal protection rights had been violated to move forward, saying ride-hailing services are no different than taxis.

So competition from Uber and Lyft might generate less regulation of the taxi industry, which would benefit everyone except existing medallion owners. Fingers crossed.