Update on current HSR Service

HAMILTON, ON – With a rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, the City of Hamilton is undergoing proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus. HSR is committed to providing a service that meets the needs of our customers. With the recent announcements related to the suspension and cancellation of school programming, the HSR will be cancelling all supplementary school extra service to City High Schools and along corridors between downtown and McMaster and Mohawk College campuses. These cancellations will go into effect at end of day today and will be in effect until school programming resumes. 

Should the need arise, and further adjustments are required for us to ensure the continuity of our service, we will communicate this to you, our media partners and post to the city website and social media channels.

In order to help address the many questions our customers may have, we’ve developed the following Q&A. You can also find this information on our website at www.hamilton.ca/hsr-bus-schedules-fares/riding-hsr

Questions & answers

Is it safe to ride the HSR?
HSR continues to be a safe method of travel. We remain committed to the health and safety of our staff and customers, and are in continued contact with City of Hamilton Public Health Services.

What is your cleaning protocol?
In addition to our daily standard cleaning protocol, last weekend we performed a complete hard surface wipe down with sanitizing wipes as well as a full bus antimicrobial fogging treatment. We are currently wiping down all hard surfaces every other day with sanitizing wipes in addition to regular cleaning.

Where can I go to learn about service disruptions?

• Via our automated twitter account: @HSRNow
• @HSRNow twitter feed updates are also posted on the HSR Detours & Service Updates page
• Local media

Is the Customer Service desk still open at MTC and Go Station?
Yes you will be able to access both locations, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can also purchase at one of our locations throughout Hamilton.

Will school extras still run after March Break?
School extras will start up again when the school programming resumes.

Can I call in for Taxi Scrip and DARTS services rather than coming into Mountain Transit Center, 2200 Upper James?
If you are a DARTS client, you may call 905-529-1212 x3 to order Taxi Scrip using your credit card and the product will delivered via Canada Post.  New applications for DARTS service can be mailed to ATS, P.O. Box 340 Mount Hope, Ontario L0R 1W0 Or by fax: 905-679-7305

What are the precautions DARTS is taking?
Like HSR, DARTS remains committed to the health and safety of their staff and customers. In addition to their standard cleaning, they are taking additional actions to be proactive to address the health and safety of their staff and customers, including:

• All vehicles are scheduled for cleaning and are disinfected every evening.
• Drivers are advised to wipe down vehicles throughout their shift
• Posters have been placed throughout the office areas
• DARTS also has an existing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy that drivers follow in the event of any cleanup of bodily fluids on board.
• They are increasing supply of sanitizing products for use by their Operators and staff
• They continue to remind staff and the community to follow the City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services Guidelines to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses

In keeping with our best practices, we are staying in regular contact with other transit operations across the province and North America to share information and any additional measures to ensure the health and safety of both staff and our customers. HSR and DARTS continues to monitor this situation and will adjust protocols at the appropriate time, if necessary.

If you have further questions about the coronavirus, please visit the Ministry of Health website at ontario.ca/coronavirus, or the City of Hamilton website at hamilton.ca/coronavirus. Any questions related to COVID-19 can be directed to public health at [email protected], or contact Hamilton’s Public Health Hotline at 905-546-2424 ext. 7970.