NEW YORK, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. farmer has launched a brand-new ridesharing business by transporting people around his village in a horse-drawn buggy, local media reported.
Timothy Hochstedler, who lives in a Michigan county that houses the state's largest settlement of Amish people, has unofficially termed his service "Amish Uber."
"Uber is hot right now, so we have the Amish Uber," Hochstedler told local television station WWMT. "We can deliver people to their front door steps."
Unlike a traditional Uber service which entails a phone and the installation of an app on it, "horse-hailing Uber" riders must flag down Hochstedler for a four-legged pickup. A single ride is priced at 5 U.S. dollars.
"He loves people," Hochstedler said his horse is sociable and enjoys the attention.
Most of Hochstedler's customers come from other communities and along the scenic country ride, Hochstedler shares stories to make an even more pleasant journey.
"It's not an activity you typically associate with the Amish," said one customer, adding that the experience was "fascinating," according to WWMT.
Many Amish lead a simplistic, family-centered way of life and shun modern conveniences. Horse-drawn buggies are common scenes in the community.