HSR buses are now free to ride, with rear entry only during COVID-19

One of Hamilton’s most essential services that’s still operating amid the COVID-19 outbreak – the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) – has temporarily introduced changes to its public transit services, including offering free rides during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The news comes shortly after a recent announcement that the HSR will be reducing its scheduled daily service, in an effort to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

As of Thursday March 19th, the HSR will be free to ride for Hamiltonians who still require public transit to make essential trips through the city, but with some physical restrictions also introduced to assist with social distancing.

Beginning 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 & customers. Only customers with personal mobility devices will permitted to enter/exit through the front door.

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) March 18, 2020

Firstly, passengers will be required to enter and exit through the rear door of the bus only, and to actively stay behind the yellow line on the bus floor, which itself has temporarily been moved father back to maintain distance between riders and the HSR operator.

These efforts are not just for transit riders, but also to help protect the HSR bus drivers, who continue to work amidst the public and put themselves at vulnerable risk daily.

“HSR continues to be a safe method of travel, this is a precautionary measure in an effort to increase social distancing, particularly for bus operators,” explained the City of Hamilton in a statement.

Lead image courtesy of @hsr

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