Hamilton city staff propose permanent transit fare assist, steeper discount

The City of Hamilton is proposing changes to the HSR Fare Assist Program which would increase the fare discount and make the program permanent.

The HSR Fare Assist Program was introduced in January 2024 and it grants people who sign up a 30 per cent discount on bus fares if they are at or under Statistics Canada’s low-income measure and it was only intended to run for 30-months. The program also applies to individuals using social programs like the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP and others.

The proposed changes would increase the discount to 50 per cent and would make the program permanent.

HSR buses cost $2.85 before PRESTO or fare assist. With the proposed changes, those who sign up would pay around $1.42.

The changes will be proposed to the Public Works Committee Monday but it is unclear when this would be presented to city council for approval.

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