Fare Assist
If you’re a Hamilton resident receiving Ontario Works, the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or earning an income below the Low Income Measure (LIM) threshold by family size, you may be eligible for Fare Assist.
Key Features of the Fare Assist Program
- 30% discount on current single-ride PRESTO fares for one year following application approval. HSR fare pricing can be found at hamilton.ca/HSRfares.
- Note: The discount applies to both conventional and specialized transit. This means it also applies to trips taken on DARTS vehicles.
- Applicants can re-apply each year.
- Funds can be loaded to a PRESTO card as-needed, and riders will not be charged an additional fare after 11 paid PRESTO trips in the same week (Monday 12:01AM to Sunday 11:59 PM).
- The discount applies to all eligible members of your household, including a spouse and children ages 13-17. Children 12-and-under ride free with PRESTO.
By applying online, you will receive updates on the status of your application by email.
If you don’t have an email or you wish to receive a paper application, contact the Special Supports Program at 905-546-2590 or email support@hamilton.ca
To learn more about the Fare Assist program visit hamilton.ca/FareAssist.
PRESTO Perks!
Not only does using your PRESTO card save you money on transit, it can also save you money on events, entertainment and attractions in Hamilton and beyond, if you’re looking for some hometown entertainment discounts, you can save on admission to Royal Botanical Gardens and the Art Gallery of Hamilton.
Learn how you can use your PRESTO card to save money at prestocard.ca.
Visit a Hamilton Public Library (HPL) branch to get your child’s free library card and PRESTO card. Only one PRESTO card per child’s library card. While quantities last. Your child’s free PRESTO card from HPL is valid for free travel on HSR, GO and Burlington Transit.
#TransitTip
HSR kindly requests that all riders board the bus using the front door.
Construction Season is here!
For up-to-date planned detour information, please visit hamilton.ca/HSRdetours.
Win 1 of 5 $100 PRESTO travel cards!
HSR needs your help! Participate in our upcoming Travel Log and get a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 PRESTO travel cards.
Want to learn more?
Join the HSR Customer Panel or if you are already a customer panelist you will receive more information by email.
By participating in the study, you can help us:
- Understand more about our customers’ travel patterns.
- Improve our methods for counting the number of daily trips taken.
- Improve your experience when riding transit.
Join today at hamilton.ca/HSRpanel.
Climb any mountain
Did you know all HSR buses are equipped with bike racks?
If you’re travelling with your bike, don’t forget to alert the operator when you are exiting the bus and need to retrieve your bike. Cyclists may also hop on the HSR for free rides up or down the escarpment. Look for our Mountain Climber signs at stops closest to the top or bottom of escarpment accesses.
Learn more about bikes on buses, hamilton.ca/MountainClimber.
Important Notice
Customers who use a personal mobility device (PMD), such as a wheelchair, scooter, walker, and CNIB cardholders, will be required to pay a fare as of July 1, 2024.
Regular fares will apply.
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