The Amish generally do not own cars. They are a horse and buggy people. Yet, in our world of 21st-century technology and constant time demands, the Amish have plenty of reasons to use cars. So they hire drivers. This is especially true for longer trips, such as visiting family out of state, attending a funeral, or a wedding. Over the years I’ve had many experiences with these non-Amish people who drive the Amish.
Like any group of people, some are wonderful, and they are fair. Others really soak the Amish with their per-mile rate. Pennsylvania is regulating Amish drivers, they have been for several years. And I’m actually completely supportive of that. I’ve seen too many Amish taken advantage of. You can read more about Pennsylvania's Amish taxis here.
In other states, the free market simply dictates what drivers charge and, in theory, I'm fine with that too as long as people aren't taken advantage of and charged too much. This is an "Amish taxi" that I saw on I-70 the other day in Illinois, this service "Anna's Amish Taxi" from Ohio has their van all fixed up and it is probably a full-time job for the owner!
Marilyn Kok
Thank you for sharing the information on Amish Taxis. I certainly understand your need to mourn your friends passing and feel free to allow yourself time to do so. 💟✝️🙏
Anita Bush
Hi, Kevin
It is indeed a small world. I receive your recipes & have for quite some time. I live in rural Flat Rock, IL so I was surprised to read your reference to Daniel Yoder's passing. I did not know Daniel Yoder nor do I know many of the Amish families. However, I regard this Amish community an asset and true example on how to live in this topsy- turvy world in which we live. My heart goes out to you as you grieve Daniel's passing. Thanks for posting the photos. I do appreciate your thoughtfulness. We keep Gloria and family in our prayers.
Anita Bush
Kevin Williams
Thanks, Anita, beautiful area. I had never actually ventured into the actual town of Flat Rock until this week, saw the "Maxwell House Cafe", I would have liked to have eaten there, but I just got gas at the gas station instead!
Peggy Cruit
My husband is an Amish taxi driver here in central Illinois. He's been driving them for several years. It works well for him since he is retired. He loves driving the Amish and has a lot of clients. Sometimes he gets overwhelmed with work because he hates to say "no" to anyone. The down part is that we have had to spend thousands of dollars on repairs on our Yukon XL. Even so, he still makes enough money to make a decent profit. We really didn't know that many Amish personally until I started working at the Moultrie County Beacon in Sullivan. It's a workshop and day training for mentally challenged adults. I worked with many Amish there, and absolutely loved the consumers whether Amish or English. My husband also worked there for a few years. One of the greatest joys that he has in driving is in bringing home the Amish families from the hospital with their new babies. It's been a joy to watch them grow! I enjoy reading your column, and am truly saddened to hear about this horrible loss of this wonderful father. I'll be praying for his family!
Kevin Williams
Interesting, Peggy, I am sure your husband has learned a lot doing the driving and has been to lots of different Amish settlements. Thanks for sharing!