Bus News Summer 2026

Route & Schedule Changes

Summer service starts on June 28, running up to and including September 5. Changes include a return to summer weekday service frequency on several routes. Service frequency means that buses will arrive at your stop at a fixed time interval, such as every 20 minutes or every 30 minutes. 

New schedules will be available on www.hamilton.ca/HSRschedules or in your favourite trip planning app. Schedules are also available in alternate formats upon request. Please contact HSR Customer Service at [email protected] for assistance.

Bus Stop Changes

A few stops will be will be closed this summer, but service will be provided at new stop locations or at alternative stops close by. Several stops will also be renamed.

#TransitTip: Arrive at your stop 5 minutes early so you don’t miss your bus. Real-time trip planning apps can help you track bus arrival times and service updates.

Seasonal Schedules

We’re adjusting our seasonal routes to make sure you get to the city’s best summer spots. Here’s what you need to know:

Route 9 Rock Gardens: Sunday and holiday service to Royal Botanical Gardens, Rock Garden, resumes on June 28. You can catch this bus until Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Route 51 University: Although this route makes its official return on September 6, you can catch the bus starting Sunday, August 30 (regular Sunday service hours).  We’re running Saturday service hours on Route 51 University from August 31 to September 5 to help get you to campus.

Route 56 Centennial: Heading to Confederation Park? We’ve got you covered.

• Buses will run every 60 minutes between 10 am and 8 pm.
• Bonus: Every trip will now take you directly to Wild Waterworks!

Route 99 Waterfront: Summer isn't official until the Waterfront shuttle returns! Service resumes on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Holiday Schedules

• Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1, 2026
• Civic Holiday, Monday, August 3, 2026

Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule, with the last trips leaving downtown at approximately 12 a.m. MyRide on-demand service and Trans-Cab service will align with HSR Sunday schedules.

There will be no service on the following routes:

• 12 Wentworth
• 42 Mohawk East. 

Visit hamilton.ca/HSRholiday for schedule information.

Phone service is available 7 days a week, including holidays, from 7:30 am to 8 pm, call 905-546-2489.

Make it a family adventure with the HSR Kids Quest Passport

From June 28 to September 5, families can explore Hamilton together using the HSR Kids Quest Passport. Visit museums, recreation centres, libraries and other family-friendly destinations across the city.

Learn about the Kids Quest Passport to discover more of Hamilton by bus

Need a child’s PRESTO card?

Your first stop is your local Hamilton Public Library branch, where kids can pick one up for free when they show their library card. Bonus: HPL is also a passport stop, so you can pick up your passport, first sticker and PRESTO card in one visit.

hpl.ca/PRESTO

Big Summer Energy

Take HSR and make the most of your summer
School’s (almost) out and summer is a great time to explore the city. Whether you’re heading to your summer job or spending afternoons soaking up the fun at Confederation Park, taking in a game at Hamilton Stadium or a concert at TD Coliseum, HSR makes it easy and affordable to get where you need to go.

Youth fares on PRESTO for riders ages 13–19:

• Monthly pass: $103.40 
• Single ride fare: $2.35
• After 11 paid rides in a week, the rest of your rides are free. 

hamilton.ca/HSRfares

Need a little extra support? Fare Assist offers 50% off single ride fares, including youth. Learn more at hamilton.ca/FareAssist.

Special events and planned detours

There’s so much happening across the city this summer, from festivals to fairs to outdoor events. HSR is a great way to get there and be part of the fun, without the stress of parking. 

Note that some events may mean temporary detours for your routes.  Detour details are available online at hamilton.ca/HSRdetours or through your favourite real-time trip planning apps. Plan ahead, enjoy the ride, and make the most of everything Hamilton has to offer this season!

HSR Next: myRide On-Demand Zones

Thank you for sharing your feedback on the first year of HSR Next proposed service updates.

Our next step is to connect with you about proposed new MyRide On-Demand zones in Stoney Creek, Mount Hope and the Twenty Road/Upper James area.

We’re looking for your feedback on bus stop locations in these new MyRide On-Demand zones. We also want to know how we can make it easier for you to start using the service when it rolls out later in 2027.

engage.hamilton.ca/HSRnext

Need a closer stop at night?

HSR’s Request Stop has you covered. Your safety is our priority! That’s why HSR offers Request Stop after 8 p.m., allowing you to exit the bus at a safe location along the route, even if it’s not a regular stop. Note: Request Stop is not available on express routes 10 - B-Line & 20 - A-Line.

How it works:

• Ask your driver at least one stop ahead of where you’d like to exit.
• The driver will choose a safe location to stop along the route.
• Always exit through the front doors for better visibility.
• Request Stop is not available on express routes 10 - B-Line & 20 - A-Line.

We’re committed to getting you where you need to go — safely.

Learn more at hamilton.ca/UsingHSR

Speak Up. Speak Out.

"Speak Up, Speak Out." encourages transit customers to report any harassment or hate incidents to Hamilton Police.

• HSR supports the City of Hamilton’s focus to make Hamilton a more welcoming, equitable and inclusive community.
• HSR condemns racism in all forms and is opposed to any imagery, speech or action that is hate-motivated or discriminatory in any shape or form.
• HSR is committed to a welcoming, equitable and inclusive community and condemns any imagery, speech or action that is hate-motivated or discriminatory in any shape or form.