Advocates call for revisions to Hamilton Fare Assist transit program

Fare Assist is a Hamilton program that was launched as a pilot project last year, but has been met with concerns from disability advocates.

The program is currently designed to provide a 30 per cent discount to eligible transit passengers with lower incomes and disabilities.

Many groups will be holding a rally at City Hall Wednesday morning ahead of the General Issues Committee (GIC) meeting with the hopes that their recommendations to revise the program will be heard.

Executive Director at the Hamilton Community Benefits Network Karl Andrus is one of many at City Hall to ask for revisions to be made to the program. He says the current system is not doing enough to address the needs of those with disabilities.

“It’s a means tested program that a lot of people are having trouble accessing that only provides a 30 per cent discount versus the previous 50 per cent discount or free transit for folks with a mobility device or those who are blind,” said Andrus.

Last month, Hamilton’s Accessibility Committee for Persons with Disabilities put forward recommendations to create a new and second fare program pilot specifically for riders with disabilities.

This was based on feedback that there are gaps in eligibility with the existing program.

Two other programs have been suspended as the two-year pilot project is in place – the Affordable Transit Pass for Ontario Works recipients and the Temporary Transit Fare Special Program for people that use mobility devices.

When it comes to transit prices in Hamilton, it costs $2.80 for an adult to ride the bus if they have a Presto card. Those 65 and up pay $2.30 with Presto.

With the 30 per cent discount applied, eligible adults save $0.84 and pay $1.96 with Presto.

Andrus adds that the need for a Presto card is a barrier for those without internet or not as tech savvy.

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