April 1, 2019 – In an effort to increase public transportation options and reduce its carbon footprint, the City of Midland has announced a new on-demand non-motorized transportation program available to residents.
Named Hoofer, the program will feature a four-wheel open-air wagon powered by a single horse. Two-horse teams and larger carriages, called “swagger wagons”, may also be made available for large groups, business meetings, and the summer’s outdoor event season.
“Studies have shown that non-motorized transportation networks are crucial to neighborhood connectedness and community well-being,” said Midland City Manager Brad Kaye. “Midland has plenty of bike lanes and miles of paths and trails, but one thing we don’t have: horse lanes. We believe that by embracing the tried-and-true transportation methods of the distant past, we can really make strides towards the future.”
Preliminary “test rides” of the new Hoofer system will begin later this month before making the program available to the general public. City officials will utilize the currently-closed right lane of Buttles Street as a testing ground
Ride appointments for the trial period will be accepted online. For more information on the Hoofer or to sign up for a ride, visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/hoofer.
