HSR Fare Assist

Share HSR Fare Assist on Facebook Share HSR Fare Assist on Twitter Share HSR Fare Assist on Linkedin Email HSR Fare Assist link

HSR is seeking feedback on a fare program that will address the affordability of transit in Hamilton. The goal is to have one program that is easier to use and offers affordable transit to those in need regardless of age or ability.

The proposed Fare Assist program is unique to other fare options as it is designed to look at family income and would benefit 88,380 Hamilton residents (2021 census data) by offering transit at a reduced cost to eligible residents. If approved, the Fare Assist pilot would run from January 1, 2024 until June 30, 2026 at which time two other long term fare programs would be suspended. You can learn more about the impacts of this proposed program below and by completing the Fare Assist survey.

The proposed Fare Assist program would provide eligible customers a 30% discount on current single-ride PRESTO fares with eligibility based on total household income. Hamiltonians who live at or below the Low-Income Measure After-Tax (LIM-AT)(External link) could apply.

Fare Assist offers several benefits over current programs:

  • "Pay as you go" - means you could load funds as-needed. Eligible customers would not need to buy a monthly pass every month. Instead, single ride fares are purchased or used as- needed.
  • For eligible customers, the discount applies to all members of the household, including a spouse and children ages 13 to 17. Children 12-and-under ride free with PRESTO.

Additionally, with HSR’s loyalty program, customers would receive free fare after the weekly cap of 11 paid trips is reached. Approved customers would receive instructions by email or regular mail explaining how to access the discount and a visit to the HSR Customer Service Centre would not be needed.

During the pilot, the following programs would be suspended:

  • The Affordable Transit Pass program, which is offered to low-income customers, and OW and ODSP recipients who are employed. This program provides a 50% discount off the adult monthly pass, for those aged 18-64 who meet the eligibility requirements.
  • The Temporary Transit Fare Special Program (also known as the Voluntary Pay Program) which allows only HSR customers who use a personal mobility device, including wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers, or are a Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) cardholder the option to voluntarily pay a fare.

Tell us what you think of the proposed Fare Assist program by completing the below survey. Your feedback will be kept confidential and help inform our report to City Council.

HSR is seeking feedback on a fare program that will address the affordability of transit in Hamilton. The goal is to have one program that is easier to use and offers affordable transit to those in need regardless of age or ability.

The proposed Fare Assist program is unique to other fare options as it is designed to look at family income and would benefit 88,380 Hamilton residents (2021 census data) by offering transit at a reduced cost to eligible residents. If approved, the Fare Assist pilot would run from January 1, 2024 until June 30, 2026 at which time two other long term fare programs would be suspended. You can learn more about the impacts of this proposed program below and by completing the Fare Assist survey.

The proposed Fare Assist program would provide eligible customers a 30% discount on current single-ride PRESTO fares with eligibility based on total household income. Hamiltonians who live at or below the Low-Income Measure After-Tax (LIM-AT)(External link) could apply.

Fare Assist offers several benefits over current programs:

  • "Pay as you go" - means you could load funds as-needed. Eligible customers would not need to buy a monthly pass every month. Instead, single ride fares are purchased or used as- needed.
  • For eligible customers, the discount applies to all members of the household, including a spouse and children ages 13 to 17. Children 12-and-under ride free with PRESTO.

Additionally, with HSR’s loyalty program, customers would receive free fare after the weekly cap of 11 paid trips is reached. Approved customers would receive instructions by email or regular mail explaining how to access the discount and a visit to the HSR Customer Service Centre would not be needed.

During the pilot, the following programs would be suspended:

  • The Affordable Transit Pass program, which is offered to low-income customers, and OW and ODSP recipients who are employed. This program provides a 50% discount off the adult monthly pass, for those aged 18-64 who meet the eligibility requirements.
  • The Temporary Transit Fare Special Program (also known as the Voluntary Pay Program) which allows only HSR customers who use a personal mobility device, including wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers, or are a Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) cardholder the option to voluntarily pay a fare.

Tell us what you think of the proposed Fare Assist program by completing the below survey. Your feedback will be kept confidential and help inform our report to City Council.

Page last updated: 19 Jul 2023, 02:05 PM