Proposed 2022 Transit Operating Budget Highlights

HAMILTON, ON – HSR remains committed to improving transit options for the residents of Hamilton to support the city’s economic recovery and growth as we continue to navigate the pandemic and beyond. Earlier today, the City of Hamilton’s Transit Division provided the General Issues Committee with an overview of 2022 10-Year Local Transit Strategy planned improvements, updates on the (Re)envision the HSR project, and a look ahead at major initiatives and trends to come in the next few years.

10-Year Local Transit Strategy Highlights

HSR will be implementing year six improvements as part of this year’s fall schedule. Changes will include: 

• Enhancements to Routes 20 A Line, 22 Upper Ottawa and 43 Stone Church that will enable greater access to transit and connectivity across the city
• Approximately 49,000 additional annual service hours
• 14 additional buses will be added to the fleet
• $0.05 fare increase effective September 1, 2022

(Re)envision Project Update

In 2021, the Transit Division validated the Guiding Principles and commenced work on the network redesign that will factor in plans for the LRT. Staff will present a Project Update Report in Spring 2022 and the Network Reconfiguration and Implementation Plan Recommendation Report(s) in Spring 2023.

COVID-19 Impacts

The pandemic continues to impact ridership in 2022, with HSR and Accessible Transportation Services (DARTS) ridership expected to be below budgeted levels. The shortfalls will be covered by carryover funding from phase 3 of the Safe Restart Agreement, which allows for a carry over of $11 million into 2022.