Ride Guide

Your HSR

The bus is a quick, easy and safe way to get around. HSR buses travel just about everywhere within the New City of Hamilton. There are over 30 bus routes serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Dundas, Ancaster and Burlington. Buses run seven days a week on most routes, from around 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next morning.

We’re Here to Help

The HSR system is easy to use. This booklet tells you everything you need to know to ride the bus. And remember, you are not alone. Our friendly bus drivers are always willing to help. If you have any questions -- just ask.

Getting Information

There are many ways to learn about bus routes, schedules and fares. The following services are available in English only.

Telephone Information 905-527-4441

The information line is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. We know about fares and schedules, and can help you plan your trip. We will also mail timetables and other information to you free of charge.

Bus Check

This is a computer-based telephone information system. Each bus stop has its own Bus Check number. When you call the number a computerized voice tells you the scheduled arrival times of the next two buses.  To find a Bus Check number on your particular route check out our Current Schedules or Upcoming Schedules sections.

Route Map and Timetables

The map shows every bus route. It lists ticket vendors and general information, and shows places like schools, parks and malls. You will see maps in bus shelters. Each route has its own timetable. It shows a map, Bus Check numbers, and bus arrival and departure times. Route maps and timetables are available at the HSR Ticket Office at the Hamilton GO Centre, 36 Hunter St. E. You can also call 527-4441 and we will mail them to you.

Reading a Timetable

There is a map of the full route on the cover. The square symbols E are time points. Bus arrival and departure times for each time point are shown inside. The round symbols T are transfer points. You can transfer to and from different buses at these points. Inside, the Bus Stops & Bus Check list shows every stop and its telephone number.

To find a number:

1. Check the travel direction,
2. Look down to find your stop,
3. Look across for the number.

To read the arrival and departure times:

1. Look for the day of the week that you will be travelling,
2. Check the direction that you want to travel. Read from left to right,
3. Look across the time points for the stop closest to you - check the map if you are not sure,

4. Look down the list to find the time closest to when you want to travel.

Buying Tickets & Passes

If you use cash, you must have the correct fare. Bus drivers do not give change. It is easier - and more economical - to buy tickets or a monthly pass. A monthly pass lets you travel as many times as you want during the month. Seniors and elementary and high school students can buy tickets and passes at a discount. These special tickets and passes can only be used with an HSR identification card. You can get your I.D. card from the HSR Ticket Office. You can buy tickets and passes at the HSR Ticket Office. There are also over 200 variety, grocery and drug stores that sell tickets and passes. Look for the blue and yellow sign in store windows, or call 905-527-4441 for the location nearest you.

Getting on the Bus

Buses have a large sign that shows the route number and name. Some buses have a small card in the front window. This card shows the last stop that the bus will make. Check both signs to make sure that you are on the right route and that you are travelling in the right direction. If you are unsure, just ask the driver.

Paying your Fare

The bus driver does not handle money, tickets or passes. Put you fare directly into the farebox. Coins go in the left slot, and tickets and bills go in the right. Slide you pass across the top of the farebox with the black magnetic strip facing toward the operator.

Using Transfers

You can get a free transfer if you have to take more than one bus to complete your trip. Ask the driver for a transfer when you put your fare in the farebox. Give this transfer to the driver of the next connecting bus. 

A new enhanced transfer policy was put in place October 1, 2001.  This allows the passenger 90 minutes to transfer between buses before the transfer expires.  This transfer can be used for stop-overs and return trips.  Transfers are accepted at any HSR bus stop and for buses going in any direction. 

Getting off the Bus

Buses do not stop at every stop. When you want to get off the bus, pull the bell cord above the window. You should do this as soon as the bus leaves the stop before you want to get off. Walk to the back doors. Step down when the bus comes to a complete stop. On some buses you have to stand on the first step to make the doors open automatically. On the majority of our buses, the driver opens the doors. If you are not sure when your stop is, you can ask the bus driver to call out the street names.

Request Stop

After 8:00 p.m., the driver will let you off between bus stops. This is called Request Stop. Ask the driver at least one bus stop ahead of where you want to get off. The driver will tell you if it is safe to stop there. If you use Request Stop, you should leave by the front doors.

Riding the Bus-- A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Call Bus Check or check your timetable,
2. Go to your bus stop four or five minutes before the bus is due to arrive. Get in line if there are other passengers waiting,
3. Have your cash, ticket, pass and/or identification card ready. Remember, bus drivers do not give change,
4. When you see the bus, step forward to the curb near the bus stop marker. This is where the bus will pull in and stop,
5. When the driver opens the door, step on to the bus. Use the hand rails for safety,
6. Put your cash or ticket into the farebox, or slide your pass through. Ask for a transfer at the time of boarding if you need to take another bus to complete your trip,
7. Find a seat. Remember to leave the front seats for people who have trouble standing. If there are no seats, please walk to the back of the bus to stand. Use the hand rails for safety,
8. To leave the bus, pull the bell cord above the window when the bus leaves the stop before you want to get off,
9. Walk to the back doors to get off. Step down onto the first step when the bus comes to a stop,
10. Be careful not to get scarves or bags caught in the door. Stop down from the bus on to the curb. When exiting the bus with small children, please take the child by the hand and have them step down in front of you. It is important for the driver to see you, sometimes children can be missed.

Lost & found

If you leave something on the bus you can call 905-528-4200 and ask for Lost and Found, or go to the HSR Customer Service Centre, Hamilton GO Centre, 36 Hunter Street East. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.  If you find something on the bus, please give it to the bus driver.

Special Seating

Let people who are elderly, visually impaired, disabled, or have trouble standing, sit on the six special seats at the front of the bus.

For Your Health & Safety

No eating or drinking on the bus.

Complaints, Commendations or Suggestions?

Call HSR Customer Services at 905-528-4200 or check out our Contact Us section.