Bus News
HSR's seasonal newsletter on service improvements, holiday service, event information and more!
Fare Assist Program
Fare Assist offers Hamilton residents who are recipients of Ontario Works, the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or have household incomes below the Low Income Measure, a 30% discount on current single-ride PRESTO fares for themselves and their family.
PRESTO in Google Wallet
You can now pay for your trip by tapping a digital version of the PRESTO card in Google Wallet, on an Android smartphone or smartwatch.
Save Using PRESTO
Use your PRESTO card to save with discounts on events, entertainment, attractions and brands in Hamilton, Niagara & the GTA.
PRESTO Mobile App
Use the PRESTO app for a simple, easy way to manage and instantly load your card on the go.
For more information, visit the PRESTO app page.
Download the official PRESTO app from
Tap & Go with PRESTO!
PRESTO is an electronic fare system that allows transit users to pay for their journey quickly, easily and securely.
Using the card saves you money.
PRESTO’s automatic loyalty program ensures you never overpay for transit. If you take more than 11 paid trips in one week using your PRESTO card, all subsequent rides will be free for that week.
You do not need to sign up for the program or have a registered PRESTO card. All cardholders travelling on HSR using funds are automatically eligible. This program excludes monthly passes, co-payment, extra passenger fares and transfers, and is only valid on HSR vehicles. The trip counter automatically resets at 12:01 am on Monday and will run until 11:59 pm the following Sunday. Your trips can be taken any day(s) during the week.
Using the card saves you time.
Every time you ride the bus, just you tap your card on the PRESTO machine to pay your fare. With a beep, the system calculates the correct fare for your trip, and deducts the funds from the balance stored on your card.
Using the card is easy and convenient.
You can travel on a single fare between and within the following transit systems:
Your PRESTO card is secure.
Create a My PRESTO account and add up to 10 PRESTO cards to manage them. If your card is ever lost or stolen, your funds are protected. You can also review your card activity and set up Autoload and Autorenew to have funds or transit passes automatically added to your card.
Saves you money at local attractions & events.
You can use your PRESTO card to access PRESTO Perks and save with discounts on events, entertainment, attractions and brands in Hamilton, Niagara & the GTA. Check back often to see what new offers become available! www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-perks
You can pay for multiple people with one card.
If you’re travelling with someone else, you can use your funds to also pay for their ride. When boarding the bus, tell the driver that you’re paying for an additional passenger(s). The driver will assist you in tapping on the PRESTO machine. Each additional passenger will be charged an adult fare on your card.
Get started
Purchase, register, use & reload your PRESTO card!
The PRESTO card has an initial fee to the rider of $4 (HST included). There is no cost to get a new PRESTO card in Google Wallet. The minimum amount that you can load onto the card is $0.05 in-person, online and using the PRESTO App. The minimum amount you can load by phone is $10.
NOTE: Do not punch holes or modify your PRESTO card, it will become invalid.
Where to purchase your card:
- In-person: Visit the HSR ticket office at 36 Hunter St. GO Station, City Hall or Municipal Service Centres in Dundas, Ancaster, or Stoney Creek. You can also visit any Shopper’s Drug Mart or Fortinos locations in Hamilton. View these locations on a map.
- Online: Online: Visit www.prestocard.ca to purchase a card. Your card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.
- By Phone 1-877-378-6123. Funds loaded by phone may take up to 24 hours to load and will be updated on your card once you tap a PRESTO device.
Benefits of Registration (this step is required for Fare Assist)
- If you lose your card, the balance is protected
- Check your balance and history
- Autorenew
- Autoload
If you ordered a card with a My PRESTO Account from the PRESTO website, you'll need to activate it before you ride. Cards purchased in person are already activated.
Activate your card online, through PRESTO’s Chat feature, or by calling PRESTO at 1-877-378-6123 and following the automated instructions.
After your funds or pass have been added to your card, you're ready to ride. Tap your card on a PRESTO device at the beginning of your ride to pay for your transit quickly, simply, and securely.
In person
Visit the HSR ticket office at 36 Hunter St. GO Station, City Hall or Municipal Service Centres in Dundas, Ancaster, or Stoney Creek. You can also visit any Shopper’s Drug Mart or Fortinos location in Hamilton. View these locations on a map.
Website
Visit www.prestocard.ca to check out the many online options, including automatic reload. You may only use a debit card or credit card with most of these options.
You can check your travel history, balance and more by logging into your PRESTO card account. You must register your card to have access to this information.
Phone
Contact the PRESTO Call Centre at 1-877-378-6123 and a PRESTO representative will be happy to assist you with card loading and payment options by telephone. You may only use a credit card with this option to load e-purse value.
Use the PRESTO app for a simple, easy way to manage and instantly load your card on the go.
PRESTO Card
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the PRESTO website for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
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