New Transit By-Law Enhances Rider Experience
Hamilton, ON – July 28, 2016 – Hamilton City Council recently passed a new by-law that will help to enhance the experience of riders on the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) and reduce the inappropriate use of the transit system in Hamilton. Over the coming months, HSR staff will be educating passengers on the new by-law, monitoring behaviour, checking for valid fare, and removing invalid tickets and passes from circulation.
The by-law, which was approved by City Council on April 27, 2016, now defines “authorized vendors” – people who have permission from the City to sell HSR fare. To protect riders from being overcharged, authorized vendors are the only people who may sell HSR fare, and they can never sell it for a higher price than Council has approved.
Another change is that only service animals will be permitted on board buses or in HSR shelters, terminals or offices. Other animals may be allowed on board if they are contained in a carrier device, and if the transit vehicle is not crowded.
While the HSR has always requested that riders behave in a safe and appropriate manner, the new by-law provides greater clarity and confirms that HSR can ask riders to leave its vehicles or premises, or ticket a rider who is behaving inappropriately or disturbing other riders.
Examples of conduct that is considered inappropriate are:
- Smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes on transit vehicles, or in terminals, shelters or bus loops
- Riding a bicycle, skateboard or rollerblading inside a transit station or terminal
- Riding or holding on to the exterior of a transit vehicle
- Operating a radio or other device without headphones or through headphones at a high volume
- Failing to wear shirt or shoes
- Spitting
- Begging, soliciting or panhandling
- Damaging or attempting to damage transit property
- Holding open the doors on a transit vehicle, or blocking the door detection sensors
- Using profane or obscene language, or causing a disturbance or nuisance
As HSR staff continue to educate passengers on the new by-law, the focus will be on ensuring riders know their responsibilities, appreciate the importance of paying a valid fare, and understand how the new policies will enhance their experience onboard.
For more information read the City of Hamilton’s Respecting the Passenger Transportation System Operated and/or Funded by the City of Hamilton by-law No. 16-111 (PDF, 35 KB).