Ride Guide

The link below provides you with a view of the cover side of our system map.. here you'll find information about using the HSR service, HSR Fares, Points of Interest and Stop Announcements.  For further Ride Guide information please have a look at the section below.

• HSR Transit Guide - Coverside

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 section 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 & using PRESTO

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 over 100 variety, grocery and drug stores that sell tickets and passes. Senior Annual Passes are only available at the HSR Ticket Office. Look for the blue and yellow sign in store windows, or call 905-527-4441 for the location nearest you. There are no refunds on purchased HSR fare media.

Instead of purchasing paper tickets and passes, you can use PRESTO.  Load money on your PRESTO card and have the ticket value deducted, or load a monthly pass at our Ticket Office.

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.  Show your pass with appropriate ID when needed to the Operator, or TAP your PRESTO card on the device in the bus.

Using Transfers

You can get a free transfer if you have to take more than one bus to complete your trip. Transfers must be obtained at the time of paying your fare. As of May of 2011, the allowance will be 120 minutes from time of issue. Travel must be completed within that time allowance otherwise an additional fare must be rendered. Transfers can be used at any bus stop, on a regular scheduled route in any direction. Please check your transfer carefully after you receive it from the HSR Operator.

Transfer Conditions

• Transfer is issued when fare is paid.
• Transfer is valid for date and time shown.
• Complete transfer must be displayed to Operator at time of boarding.
• Mutilated transfers are not acceptable.
• Transfers are only valid for use by the customer to whom the transfer was issued.
• Passengers using a Bus Pass or PRESTO card will not be issued a transfer.
• In case of dispute, passengers are requested to pay the fare and contact Customer Service at 905-528-4200 for assistance. When calling, please have the route name, bus number, date, location, and time of the incident. Keep the transfer to help us with our investigation.

Remember to ask for your transfer at the time you pay your fare! Only those paying with cash or using tickets are entitled to receive a transfer.

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. Before you leave, call your Bus Check number or Information, visit Bus Web or check your timetable.
2. Go to your bus stop at least five minutes before your bus is due to arrive. Please line up if there are other passengers waiting at the bus stop.
3. Have your cash, ticket, pass, and/or Identification Card ready. Remember, bus Operators do not give change. Being prepared speeds up boarding.
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. Do not wait inside the shelter, the bus Operator may not see you and pass by.
5. When the bus Operator opens the door, step on to the bus. Use the hand rails for safety.
6. Put your cash or ticket into the farebox, show the bus Operator your pass or tap your PRESTO Card. Identification Passes, such as the Senior Annual Pass, must be shown to the Operator upon each boarding. Ask for a transfer if you need one or tell the Operator if you require Trans-Cab service.
7. Find a seat. Remember to leave the front seats for passengers who have difficulty standing. If there are no seats, please walk to the back of the bus and stand. Hold on to the hand rails, especially if the bus is moving. Never stand at the front of the bus in front of the yellow line.
8. To leave the bus, pull the bell cord above the window or push the button on the hand rails before the bus reaches your stop.
9. Walk to the centre door to get off. When the bus stops, carefully exit the bus. Use caution when exiting with a stroller or buggy.
10. Be careful not to get scarves or bags caught in the door. Step down from the bus to the curb.

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 8:00 am until 4:00 pm.  If you find something on the bus, please give it to the bus driver.  Lost and Found items left on buses on any given day are not available for claiming until 11:00 a.m. on the next weekday.

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.