As of July 1, blind and disabled people in Hamilton are no longer able to ride the bus for free, upsetting some who have been taking advantage of the free program for years.
Blind transit rider Sharon Ruttan told CHCH News, “We basically were swept under the rug. A lot of our concerns, especially the CNIB clients in the city who have travelled, safely and confidently on public transit are now affected…”
Ruttan says she’s worried about being able to afford to pay bus fare and says she may not be able to go out as much as she has previously.
The City of Hamilton has transitioned from the free program to a new discounted fare pilot program called HSR Fare Assist, which offers a 30 per cent discount on a fare to eligible low-income riders.