Waterloo Taxi has launched a new ride-hailing app for Apple and Android devices in response to the arrival of Uber in Waterloo Region.

Passengers will be able to use the app to request a cab, pay using a credit card or through PayPal, and monitor a map to see the cab approach their location in real time. Waterloo Taxi decided to launch the app when Uber launched the ride-sharing service UberX in the region in July.

Waterloo Taxi president Peter Neufeld said the company also has plans to develop an app for BlackBerry users. The new app for Apple and Android is free to download and, as a bonus, users can get their first ride for free.

As a result of Uber's foray into the region, regional council is considering a bylaw that would make auxiliary taxi licences a requirement for Uber drivers and anyone else who charges a passenger to get from one point to another.

City Cabs Kitchener, another regional taxi company, also has a ride-hailing app for Apple users.