Affordable Transit Pass Program

To qualify for the Affordable Transit Pass program, you must meet all of the following:

• You live in the City of Hamilton
• You are currently working in a full time, part time or casual position. This does not include those who are self-employed.
• You are between the ages of 18 to 64 years. This does not include those who qualify for HSR’s student or senior fares.
• You receive assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program but do not receive transportation costs for other activities (e.g. medical transportation);
  OR
  Your family income falls below the current Statistics Canada Low-Income Measurement (LIM) for your family size (see table below), you can provide last year’s Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency and four recent, consecutive pay stubs.

Current Statistics Canada Low-Income Measurement (LIM) 

1. Fill out the Affordable Transit Pass application form(PDF, 229.38 KB). One application form can be used for you and your spouse or partner. If you need help completing this application, please call the number below to schedule an appointment.


2. Supporting documents along with your application:
   
   Low income: If you are applying as a low income you must include your last year’s Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency and four recent, consecutive pay stubs. If you are not able to find last year’s Notice of Assessment you can call the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281 to get another copy. 
   
   Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Your case manager must have your current employment and earning information.


3. Drop off or mail your completed application form along with the Notice of Assessment and four week's pay stubs for each applicant on the form to:
   
   City of Hamilton, Special Supports Program
   Affordable Transit Pass Program
   1550 Upper James Street, Unit 14 A, Hamilton, Ontario L9B 2L6
   
   Your application will be reviewed and a letter will be mailed indicating whether you have been approved or not approved and the reasons why. This may take up to five business days upon receipt of the application.

If your application is approved:

• Show your approval letter at the HSR Customer Service Centre located at 36 Hunter Street East in the Hamilton GO Station. Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• The ATP program will be set up on a PRESTO card. You will be required to pay for the initial $6 card fee if you do not already have a card. The PRESTO card is yours to keep and can be used even if you are no longer eligible for ATP.
• Purchase your pass between the 20th of the month prior to the pass your need until the 13th of the month your pass if for. For example: You can go anytime between March 20 and April 13 to purchase your April pass.
  
  HSR staff will program your PRESTO card with the ATP concession/ program which allows you to purchase the pass at half price during the approval period. Once the ATP concession/ program has been set and you have purchased your first monthly pass, you may then pay online at prestocard.ca to load the remaining months or go to an alternate location such as any Fortino's Supermarkets in Hamilton, Hamilton City Hall or the Dundas Municipal Centre.
• When your approval period ends, your PRESTO card will default to an Adult fare card. You will need to re-apply for the program before your approval expires.
• PRESTO is not available on DARTS. You will need to purchase a paper pass each month in person at the HSR Customer Service Office, 36 Hunter Street East. Your approval letter must be shown each time you purchase a pass.