Drew Dilkens says some local cab drivers want to work for Uber

The mayor of Windsor recognizes that many in the taxi industry don't want to see Uber come to town, but he said that there are also some cab drivers who would welcome the company's presence in the city.

Mayor Drew Dilkens wants the city to look at what changes it would need to make to local bylaws, so that Uber can operate here legally.

"I quite frankly see Uber as the wave of the future," Dilkens told CBC Radio's Windsor Morning on Tuesday.

Dilkens said it is therefore a better choice for the city to look at how they can act as an effective regulator when Uber enters the market, rather than spend money trying to keep the company out of Windsor.

When asked about opposition from the taxi industry, Dilkens said he believes there are some industry members who would like to see Uber in their market.

Dilkens said that when he raised the Uber issue in the media, a local cab driver stopped him and told him to keep on pushing.

"He rolled down his window and he says: 'Mr. Mayor!' He says: 'Keep going. I want to drive for Uber. Yesterday, I drove and I made $430 in fares, I took home $28. I'll make more money with Uber, so please keep going,'" he said.

The mayor said that was the first feedback he received from a Windsor resident about the Uber issue.

"Let's not forget: Uber and other services like Uber in the sharing economy actually create jobs and they provide more employment," he said.