Fares & Photo IDs

When boarding the bus, do one of the following to pay your fare:

• Tap your PRESTO card (physical or digital) on the PRESTO device.
• Tap your debit or credit card (or your phone or watch) - same cost as a cash fare
• Tap your activated PRESTO E-Ticket.
• Put your cash fare or paper ticket directly into the farebox beside the driver. Coins go in the left slot and tickets and bills go in the right. If you’re paying with cash, you must have exact change.
• Show the driver your transfer.

HSR bus drivers do not handle money, tickets, passes or PRESTO cards. Learn more about paying with PRESTO

Payment options at customer service locations
HSR accepts Cash, Debit, MasterCard and Visa for all purchases

Fare fraud
An HSR driver may take away any pass, ticket or identification card if they suspect fraudulent activity.

Senior ID

• Seniors (age 65-79) do not require photo ID; however, they must show proof of age if the driver asks.
• Golden Age Seniors (age 80+) require photo ID that you receive when you purchase your Golden Age Pass at the HSR Customer Service Centre. You will need to provide proof of age and Hamilton residency. Golden Age Passes cannot be issued in advance of your 80th birthday.

Support person photo ID

Support Person ID cards are for customers who, because of their disability, require regular or occasional help when travelling on HSR buses.

• The Support Person ID card allows you to have a support person take the HSR with you for free.
• The cost of replacement of a lost card is $16.67 + HST ($18.84).
• You need to update your information and get a new card every three years.

Complete the Support Person application form(PDF, 208.55 KB)(PDF, 208.55 KB) which requires a Health Care Professional’s certification for Section C (Disability Information) and mail to:

Accessible Transportation Services
c/o 71 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5

A confirmation letter with details about how to get your Support Person ID card comes by mail when you are approved.

New or replacement photo ID cards & photo passes

• You can get a new or replacement photo ID & photo pass card from the HSR Customer Service Centre.
  • New photo IDs cost $5.56 + HST ($6.28)
  • Replacement photo IDs cost $16.67 + HST ($18.84).
• Includes Support Person cards, Golden Age Photo ID, EC Passes, Senior ID, HSR Student Photo ID, ATS Photo ID, etc

Children five years of age and under can ride the bus for free and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children 12 and under do not need a photo ID card however children 6-12 need a PRESTO card to ride the bus for free. If they do not have a PRESTO card, they will be charged the full fare.

To be eligible for a Youth fare you must:

• Be 13-19 years of age.
• Have a photo ID card from the government or your school. You can also purchase a photo ID card for $5.56 + HST ($6.28) at the HSR Customer Service Centre.

If you have a Youth PRESTO card, you must carry your photo ID card with you, the driver may ask to see it. If you do not have it with you, you will be required to pay the full adult fare.

If you have a Children’s PRESTO card, change the card to a Youth PRESTO card when you turn 13. If you do not, you will be charged the adult fare. You can do this by presenting your PRESTO card along with valid ID showing date of birth in-person at the HSR Customer Service Centre, or at any Shoppers Drug Mart or Fortinos locations in Hamilton.

Seniors
Seniors age 65-79 have three choices to pay fare. Pay a single fare each time you ride, purchase a monthly pass or purchase an annual pass.  All monthly and annual passes start on the first day of the calendar month and end on the last day.  The PRESTO Senior Annual Pass is valid for 12 months starting in the month of purchase if purchased by the 13th day of the month. If you purchase the annual pass after the 13th day of the month, the pass will be valid for 12 months starting the next month. Proof of age is required to purchase and use senior fares. If you are a young-looking senior, you can purchase a photo ID for $5.56 + HST ($6.28) at the HSR. 

Golden Age Pass

Hamilton Seniors age 80 years of age or older qualify for a Golden Age Pass. This includes one-time free PRESTO card (lost, stolen or damaged PRESTO cards will require a $4 replacement fee). You can pick up your PRESTO pass and photo ID card from the HSR Customer Service Centre. Proof of age is required, as well as proof of Hamilton residency. Acceptable ID would be a Driver’s License, Ontario Photo Card, Income Tax statement with name and address, etc. A one time free photo ID will be issued to be used with your new PRESTO card.

If you are renewing your Senior Annual Pass and turn 80 years of age within the year, you should purchase a Senior Monthly Pass on PRESTO each month until you turn 80 years old. When you turn 80, you can get a Golden Age Pass for free. Golden Age Passes cannot be issued in advance of your 80th birthday.

If you’re an eligible full-time student, your school will provide you with a voucher code to redeem to your registered PRESTO Card. You can use your pass during the eligibility period for unlimited travel on any HSR bus, Trans-Cab (additional fee applies) or ATS/DARTS vehicle (if you’re eligible).

• You must be prepared to show your student card every time you get on the bus and tap your PRESTO card loaded with an HSR U-Pass.
• If you do not have your student card, you must pay the full adult cash fare of $3.50.

Your voucher also automatically sets your card to the PS1 fare type so you will also receive the lowest possible fare when using GO Transit.  There is no need to get this fare type from GO transit.

McMaster University
For more information, undergraduate students can visit msumcmaster.ca/hsr and graduate students can visit gsa.mcmaster.ca/services/hsr.

Mohawk College
For more information, visit mohawkstudents.ca/transit.

Redeemer University
For more information, contact Redeemer’s administration.