Operator Maurice Powell celebrates 50 years with HSR!

HAMILTON, ON – Monday August 19th, 2019 marks a significant day for Transit. 50 years ago, Operator Maurice Powell joined the HSR - making him the first transit operator, and only second employee in the history of the City of Hamilton to reach this milestone!

Joined by staff, family and friends, Hamilton City Council recognized Maurice at the start of their Council meeting this morning.

Maurice has been driving routes #27 Upper James and #35 College for as long as we have records of, every day, Monday to Friday starting at 4:30 am. HSR Staff – past and present, along with the City of Hamilton leadership team and Council will be celebrating Maurice and his steadfast dedication, commitment and love of his job with formal festivities on Monday, August 19 from 12 noon to 2 pm at the Mountain Transit Center, where there will be special guest and partnership announcements.

Media is invited to join us at the Mountain Transit Center for the announcement, BBQ and presentations.

Date: Monday, August 19, 2019
Time: 12 noon to 2 pm
Location: Mountain Transit Centre, 2200 Upper James Street, Mount Hope, ON LOR 1W0

A few fun facts about life in Hamilton in the late 60s/early 70s:

• The cost to ride the bus was: $0.30 for Adults, Students and Pensioners (they weren’t called Seniors then!) and $0.10 for Children
• The Centre Mall, formerly on Barton Street, celebrated its 14th Anniversary
• Hamilton’s Mayor was Victor Copps
• 1968: Thomas McQuesten wills his house to the City of Hamilton – eventually becoming Whitehern Civic Museum
• Stelco strikes
• Shakespeare’s restaurant opens its doors 
• The Art Gallery commissions architect to design new building
• 1972: Eugene Levy and Martin Short graduate McMaster University – maybe they rode Maurice’s bus?!
• 1972: Football Hall of Fame opens
• 1972: First phase of Jackson Square construction begins
• 1975: Pink Floyd plays Ivor Wynne Stadium