Bus News Summer 2023
Schedule & Service Updates
The spring schedule is in effect until Saturday, June 24, 2023. The summer schedule will operate beginning Sunday, June 25 until Saturday, September 3, 2023.
Route Changes
- Route 20 A-Line Express northbound trips will reroute onto Discovery Drive due to construction on John Street North.
- The free Waterfront Shuttle from downtown Hamilton returns with a new route. Route 99 Waterfront will now service the lower bowl of Bayfront Park, operating northbound on Bay Street North and southbound on James Street North.
Seasonal Routes
- Route 9 Rock Gardens (Sundays and holidays) service continues until Sunday, November 12.
- Route 56 Centennial will operate daily every 60 minutes with service to Wild Waterworks.
- Route 99 Waterfront will service the lower bowl of Bayfront Park, operating northbound on Bay Street North and southbound on James Street North, providing customers with direct service from downtown Hamilton into the park.
Holiday Service
HSR operates a Sunday level of service on the following summer holidays, with no service in Waterdown.
- Saturday, July 1
- Monday, August 7
HSR’s (re)Designed Network
HSR’s proposed new transit network marks a significant step forward for transit in Hamilton. Our goal was to redesign the network from the ground up to ensure it meets your current and future transit needs. We also want to maximize the benefits of the future LRT.
This is your chance to give feedback on the proposed network. In early 2024, Hamilton City Council will decide how to move forward on a growth plan for transit.
To ensure your voice is heard, tell us what you think about the proposed network today. Complete our short survey for a chance to win an iPhone 14 Pro Max and other prizes. You can also visit us at one of many community events in your area this summer.
Big News Coming This Fall
You’ve been patiently waiting for this news and it’s finally here! Beginning in September, all-day Sunday express service will begin on routes 10 B-Line and 20 A-Line. This means express service will run 7 days a week on these two routes. We’re also improving connections to/from Stoney Creek by extending Route 55 to Winona Crossing. More details about these and other improvements coming soon.
More Ways to Pay with PRESTO Contactless
Taking transit in Hamilton just got easier! No need to look for exact cash/change. Now you can pay your HSR fare and transfer between buses with a tap of your credit or debit card, including the card on your phone or watch.
PRESTO contactless will charge the full “adult cash” fare ($3.25) and is for single riders only. If you’re travelling as a group or family, use the PRESTO E-Tickets app instead.
PRESTO Perks
Not only does using your PRESTO card save you money on transit, but it can also save you money on events, entertainment and attractions in Hamilton and across the region, including the Royal Botanical Garden, the Art Gallery of Hamilton and Hamilton Tiger-Cats tickets.
Join the HSR Customer Panel
Tell us how we can improve your HSR experience by signing up for our Customer Panel. You will receive periodic invitations to participate in our research which may include activities such as travel log studies, surveys, focus groups and more. You may also be entered into giveaways and draws for small prizes as our way of saying “thanks” for participating.
Rate your ride for a chance to win
Gathering up-to-date information about your transit experience is more important than ever. That’s why we’ve launched the Rate My Ride customer satisfaction survey.
The survey gathers feedback on trip reliability, staff professionalism, and safety. Tell us how we did today and enter the monthly $50 PRESTO card giveaway.
Speak Up, Speak Out
We all play a role in keeping transit and our community safe. If you witness or experience harassment or hate, please “Speak Up, Speak Out” by reporting it to Hamilton Police.
- For emergencies or crimes in progress call 911
- For non-emergencies call 905-546-4925 or report online at hamiltonpolice.on.ca
Your safety is our top priority. HSR supports the City of Hamilton’s focus to make Hamilton a more welcoming, equitable and inclusive community. We condemn racism in all forms and are opposed to any imagery, speech or action that is hate-motivated or discriminatory in any shape or form.
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 tell the operator when you’re exiting the bus. 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.
Get ready to ride with HSR’s fare promotions
Family-friendly Fares
This summer use transit to have family fun in the sun. Our children ride free program is now permanent! With PRESTO, children (6-12) ride for free. And this summer, teens (13-19) ride for half price with PRESTO in July and August.
Loyalty has its rewards. With HSR’s enhanced PRESTO loyalty rewards, youth, adults and seniors using a PRESTO card will enjoy free fare after 9 paid trips in the same week until June 30, 2023. From July 1 until August 31, 2023, enjoy free fare after 10 paid trips.
Get the 72-hour PRESTO E-Ticket to enjoy unlimited travel on HSR for only $15 ($12 for youth and seniors). This offer ends on September 4, 2023.
TiCat Ticket to Ride Program
Travel to and from the game hassle-free. Use your valid game day ticket to travel free of charge on any HSR bus 2 hours before/after the game or join fans on the express shuttles with pick up and drop off locations at CF Limeridge, Eastgate Square and University Plaza.
Construction season is here! Visit hamilton.ca/hsrdetours for up-to-date planned detour information.