News Releases

Hamilton, ON - The Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City’s General Issues Committee heard today. HSR’s 2021 budget included an overview of the impacts of the pandemic, an update on the 10-year Transit Strategy and a look at the major trends in facing HSR in 2021. COVID-19 impacts resulted in several service adjustments and operational changes to prioritize the health and safety of staff and customers. These changes have included:

Hamilton, ON – Due to the nature of the employee’s position working closely with the public, the City of Hamilton is advising that it has been notified that one of its Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) bus operators has tested positive for COVID-19.

Hamilton, ON – Beginning Sunday, September 6th, HSR will return to weekday service at a summer level on most routes, with the equivalent of a 100% seated capacity. This would mean a combination of seated/standing 30 customers on a 40-foot bus and 50 customers on a 60-foot articulated bus. Note: the seats closest to the operator on the NOVAS will remain blocked and there is no plan to move the yellow lines.

Bus-stop to bus-stop DARTS service for some HSR customers HAMILTON, ON – Earlier today, Mayor Fred Eisenberger joined Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health, and the City’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Director, Paul Johnson, to update media and the community on the City’s response to COVID-19. As of noon today, there are 138 confirmed cases and two deaths from COVID-19 in Hamilton. More details about cases are available on the City’s website including demographics, risk factors, exposure, etc.

HAMILTON, ON – Earlier today, Mayor Fred Eisenberger joined Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health, and the City’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Director, Paul Johnson, to update media and the community on the City’s response to COVID-19. As of noon today, there are 32 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hamilton. At the time of this media release, City staff are reviewing the Province of Ontario’s announcement from earlier today. More information related to essential and non-essential City services will be available tomorrow.

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton today is announcing additional proactive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Hamilton. Beginning tomorrow, March 19, until at least April 5, HSR customers are being asked to board buses from the rear doors only, and to keep a fair distance from the bus operators and other customers. Only customers with personal mobility devices (PMD) will permitted to enter and exit through the front door. As a result, HSR will not be collecting fares until further notice.

HAMILTON, ON - In order for crews to replace watermain valves, the City of Hamilton will close the westbound lanes of Stone Church Rd W between Matthew St and Garth St beginning on Monday, February 3 at 9 a.m. for approximately 3 months. The project is expected to wrap up on or before Thursday, April 30, 2020. Sidewalks on both sides of the road will remain accessible to pedestrians. Motorists travelling westbound should follow designated detour routes along West 5th St or Upper James St to Rymal Rd W.

Hamilton, ON – On December 2, 2019, the Ontario Minister of Labour released what is commonly referred to as a 'no-board' notice. The issuance of this notice starts the timelines for a legal strike or lockout that is permitted upon the 17th day from the date of its issue. This means that the parties will be in a legal strike/lockout position at 12:01 am on December 19, 2019. The City and the ATU go back to the bargaining table on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. The City of Hamilton remains hopeful that a negotiated settlement can be reached.

Hamilton, ON - Earlier this year the City of Hamilton’s Transit Division began a comprehensive community engagement campaign to (Re)envision the HSR. A survey designed by world-class transportation experts at McMaster University ran until April 2019, receiving tremendous community uptake by current and future targeted customers across the city. The nearly 6,000 responses are being used in the next phase, where we are analyzing the results and engaging with residents through community events, activities and platforms.