HSR Looking at Fare Assistance Program, But Will End Automatic Free Transit for Mobility Device Users – TPR Hamilton | Hamilton's Civic Affairs News Site

May 9, 2023
Hamilton’s public transit agency is looking at decreasing single ride fares by 30 percent for low-income Hamiltonians with a new “Fare Assist” program that will replace free (“Voluntary”) fares for riders with mobility devices and the “Affordable Transit Pass” program that gives a 50 percent discount on monthly passes to low-income riders.
HSR managers expect approximately 88,000 Hamiltonians will qualify for the program based upon 2021 census figures.
“This program is expected to provide greater opportunity for access than the suspended programs and represents a more equitable product offering,” Director of Transit Maureen Cosyn Heath told Council in April.
Riders with mobility devices such as walkers, scooters, and wheelchairs presently ride the HSR at no charge. Additionally, Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) cardholders ride free.
“This program is all particularly operationally problematic and provides greater benefits to persons with visible disabilities over those who may have invisible disabilities,” Cosyn Heath stated as a reason for the change.
The new program will not provide a free fare option for these users.
Adult fares on programmed PRESTO cards will be $1.89 per trip.
The City lists the following income cut-offs for the program, using the Low-Income Measurement After-Tax.
FAMILY SIZE HOUSEHOLD INCOME (AFTER TAXES)
1 $26,570
2 $37,576
3 $46,021
4 $53,140
5 $59,412
6 $65,083
7 $70,298
8 $75,151
9 $79,710
10 $84,022
An online public survey is open until May 26 on the City’s engagement website.
Council will vote on this plan at a later date.