Chicago launches taxi smartphone apps

CHICAGO (WLS) -- You can now hail a taxi in Chicago using an app on your smartphone.

Licensed taxi drivers are now required to make themselves available through smartphone apps similar to Uber and Lyft. The city says there are nearly 12,700 licensed taxi drivers in Chicago.

Two different apps - Arro and Verifone - are available. Both apps are free. Along with hailing cabs, the apps are designed to offer a fare estimate and wait time estimate. Riders can also pay their fares through the apps.

Arro and Verifone are available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.