New bus fare hikes coming amid plans to make transit affordable in Hamilton

Hamilton bus fares will increase starting Sept. 1 as the City prepares to launch a pilot program next year to help make transit affordable.

The City of Hamilton issued a correction to the information on fare hikes that was previously published on its website. Bus fares with a Presto card will increase by 10 cents and cash fares by 25 cents.

They will be $3.50 for a single-ride cash fare.

For adults with Presto cards, it will be $2.70 for a single ride.

Children aged six to 12 with a Presto card ride free.

It said the weekly Presto loyalty rewards will return to 11 paid trips per week on Oct. 2.

The City also announced that council approved the Fare Assist Pilot in July, which will help make transit affordable in Hamilton.

The pilot will run from Jan. 1, 2024 until June 30, 2026. Two other long-term fare programs will be suspended during that period.

“The goal is to have one program that is easier to use and offers affordable transit to those in need, regardless of age or ability,” the City wrote on its website.

The City of Hamilton’s Transit Division (HSR) cited the fare hike as part of its 10-year transit strategy to improve the service.

“These changes will ensure HSR continues to accommodate growth, enhance connectivity and the customer experience while improving Hamilton’s transit network,” HSR wrote on its website.

Meanwhile, Metrolinx has reduced the cost of Presto cards from $6 to $4.

Changes for the fall 2023 HSR schedule include:

• All-day Sunday express service on routes 10 B-Line and 20 A-Line, which means express service will run seven days a week on these two routes
• Route 5 extending to King and Highway 8 and Mount Albion Loop
• Improved connections to/from Stoney Creek by extending route 55 to Winona Crossing, and route 55A to the Stoney Creek Municipal Service Center.

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