Fares & Photo IDs

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 sowing date of birth in-person at the HSR Customer Service Centre, or at any Shoppers Drug Mart or Fortinos locations in Hamilton.

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 Customer Service Centre.

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.

Choose the option that is the best value:

• Pay the single ride fare each time if you plan to take 17 trips or less in a single month, or approximately 4-5 trips or less per week.
• Purchase a monthly pass if you plan to take more than 17 trips in a month, for up to 9 consecutive months.
• Purchase an annual pass if you plan to take more than 17 trips each month for 10, 11 or 12 consecutive months.

Golden Age Pass

City of Hamilton residents 80 years of age or older can receive a Golden Age Pass for free. 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 address in Hamilton. Acceptable ID would be a Driver’s Licence, Ontario Photo Card, Income Tax statement with name and address, Health Card that has address, etc. A 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.

Golden Age customers who frequently travel on transit outside of Hamilton should purchase a second PRESTO card with a senior concession applied to be able to benefit from other transit agency senior rates (if applicable).

• You must 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.

If you’re an eligible student, your school will provide you with a PRESTO card and a voucher code. Once you’ve obtained your PRESTO card and redeemed your voucher, 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).

When boarding the vehicle, you must present your valid student ID card and tap your PRESTO card containing your validated pass.

These Colleges and Universities offer transit passes to students

• 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.

• 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.

• 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) and replacement photo IDs cost $16.67 + HST ($18.84). Includes Support Person cards, Golden Age Photo ID, School Hour Only / PLUS passes, DARTS Senior Passes, EC Passes, Senior ID, HSR Student Photo ID, ATS Photo ID, etc.

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) 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.