Provides subsidized rides for people with disabilities through regular and accessible taxis. Coupons are sold in books that contain $40 value in vouchers, and participants may purchase up to three books each month.
Driving & Transportation
Getting around either in your personal vehicle, through community supports or public transit.
Taxi Scrip Program, HSR Public Transit
All those who are eligible for the HSR DARTS program are also eligible for the Taxi Scrip program. This includes individuals with disabilities, and those who are unable to access regular transit service. Eligibility is considered on a case-by-case basis.
To apply for this service, complete the application form found online and submit it by mail, fax, or email.
Registered passengers can purchase Taxi Scrip coupon books from the HSR Customer Service Centre (36 Hunter St E), any Municipal Service Centre, via mail, or over the phone.
Trans-Cab Service
Refer to website for service area map to determine if the trip origin or destination is included in the Trans-Cab service area.
Travelling from Trans-Cab service zones:
- Call Blue Line Taxi at 905-525-2583 to request a Trans-Cab pick-up.
- Tell the driver you’re a Trans-Cab customer, and pay your regular HSR fare or show them your PRESTO card, plus a 50¢ premium. The cab driver will give you a Trans-Cab coupon and take you to your transfer point.
- Board the HSR bus, show your Trans-Cab coupon to the Operator, pay your fare and insert the coupon into the farebox.
Travelling to Trans-Cab service zones:
- When you board your HSR bus, tell the Operator that you need Trans-Cab service, pay your regular fare, plus a 50¢ premium and ask for a transfer.
- A cab will meet your bus at the Trans-Cab transfer point, give the cab driver your HSR transfer.
A shared-ride taxi service between the HSR and local taxi providers. This service is offered in parts of Glanbrook (routes 20, 27, 35, and 44) and Stoney Creek (routes 2, 55, and 55A) where buses do not currently provide service.
Accessible Transportation Services
Intended for people with physical or functional disabilities or health conditions who are unable to access fixed-route public transit. Eligibility is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not based on a particular disability, or income level.
ATS application forms available online. Apply by mail to: ATS, P.O. Box 340 Mount Hope, Ontario L0R 1W0; or by fax to: 905-679-7305
Provides access to DARTS accessible transportation and the Taxi Scrip Program for people who are unable to use regular public transit (i.e. HSR buses) due to a disability. Determines eligibility and registers passengers for these accessible programs, and provides customer care.
Note: all HSR fixed-route buses are configured with Accessible Low Floors (ALF). A ramp provides level entry and exit with no steps, accommodating wheelchairs, strollers, scooters etc. measuring at or within 30 inches wide and 48 inches long.
ATS ID Cards and Support Person ID Card applications are available at and processed through the ATS Office on Upper James. Support Person ID cards are for customers with a permanent or temporary disability who require help when travelling on HSR buses. The card allows you to have a support person take the HSR with you for free. Application requires a Health Care Professional's certification. A confirmation letter with details about how to get your Support Person ID card comes by mail when you are approved.
DARTS Public Transit
People with disabilities who are unable to access regular transit service. Also available to qualified residents of other municipalities while they are visiting Hamilton. Pre-registration is required.
To register, complete an ATS application form including Doctor approval. To register for Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and ATS Web, phone 905-528-4200 x1830.
Provides door-to-door transportation service to individuals who are unable to use regular public transit due to a disability. Participants must register with Accessible Transportation Services (ATS), a department of the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Employs wheelchair accessible buses, vans, motor vehicles and contracted taxi services when appropriate and operates under contract to ATS.
Seniors for Seniors Driver Companions
Open to all older adults.
Contact for information.
Visit the website for information about how to volunteer as a driver companion.
Provides driver companions to transport and accompany older adults to and from medical appointments, shopping centres, grocery stores, the bank, or social events and gatherings.
Stoney Creek Seniors Outreach Services
Seniors and people with disabilities who live in Stoney Creek
Contact to register for programs. Transportation must be booked two days in advance.
Non-profit community organization that assists seniors and disabled persons to remain independent and in their homes. Services include:
- Transportation services: volunteer drivers will provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping, hair appointments, etc. within the Greater Hamilton Area
- Household services: assistance with minor home repairs, yard work, or housekeeping
- Snow removal
Glanbrook Community Services Volunteer-Assisted Transportation
Open to seniors and people with disabilities in the Glanbrook area. Passengers must be independently mobile and cognitively alert. Walkers are permitted.
Contact to register
Glanbrook Community Services provides participants with transportation services to medical appointments, dental appointments, errands, to visit friends, grocery and general shopping. Drivers will wait and can assist participants with purchases. Out-of-town trips may be arranged upon request, some restrictions apply.
Life Long Care Program
Open to all urban Aboriginal men, women and their families
Contact to register
Provides support services to the Indigenous community, regardless of age, who are disabled, chronically ill, frail, elderly or require acute/chronic continuum of care.
Services include:
- medical transportation services
- assistance with completing forms
- community referrals
- home visits
- security checks
- caregiver support
- aid in transitioning from ODSP to Old Age Pension
- congregate dining meals
- social activities
Wheels for Seniors, De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre
Open to all Indigenous seniors, those with early on-set aging, and those with complex physical disabilities.
Contact at least 48 hours prior to the appointment to book a ride. Drivers will connect directly with clients regarding time and location of appointment and pick-up locations.
Provides medical transportation to Indigenous seniors, those with early on-set aging, and those with complex physical disabilities. Clients can be picked up and dropped off to any medical appointments within the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant LHIN catchment area.
SE Health Transportation Services
Open to all.
Contact for information or complete the online application form.
Provides transportation to and from medical appointments, shopping, banking, errands, or other activities.
Wesley Seniors Shopping by Bus
Tenants living in seniors apartment buildings who are physically able to travel.
Contact to register.
A free bus service for seniors to local grocery stores every two weeks for tenants in seniors' apartments. Pick-up locations are located throughout the city. Please call for details.
This is a partnership between Wesley, No Frills, Fortinos, and the HSR.
Flamborough Connects Rural Community Shopping Bus
Must be able to walk independently and be cognitively alert
Contact to reserve a seat
The Rural Shopping Bus is a program for rural residents who do not drive or have access to public transportation. Clients must be able to board the bus independently and carry their groceries.
The bus runs bi-weekly and takes participants to the Walmart Shopping Plaza in Waterdown.
The Rural Shopping Bus is a chartered DARTS bus and runs throughout the year.
Shopping and Events Bus
Open to seniors and most older adults living in Glanbrook, Stoney Creek and East Mountain who are physically mobile.
Contact for information.
Glanbrook Community Services offers a monthly door-to-door pick-up for shopping at the Elfrida Walmart shopping Centre and trips to various events in the City of Hamilton and other municipalities. Limited spaces available.
GO Transit
Open to all.
Purchase tickets at the station or pay with PRESTO when boarding the bus or train.
Long-distance within Ontario bus and rail transportation.
Major services are:
- GO Transit bus and rail service
- UP Pearson Express rail link between Toronto Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Presto Card electronic fare payment card
- Triplinx online trip planner
HSR Golden Age Transit Pass Program
City of Hamilton residents 80 years of age or older.
Proof of age and Hamilton address are required. Acceptable ID includes a Driver’s Licence, Ontario Photo Card, Income Tax statement or Health card with name and address.
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.
The Golden Age Pass Program provides free HSR transportation to eligible adults over the age of 80. This pass includes a one-time free PRESTO card. A photo ID will be issued, to be used with the new PRESTO card, which is to be presented to the driver upon boarding.
HSR Senior Transit Pass Program
Adults 65 to 79 years of age.
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 $5.65 at the HSR Customer Service Centre.
The Senior Pass Program provides discounted HSR transportation to eligible older adults (65-79 years of age). This includes a PRESTO card. Photo ID is not required, however proof of age must be shown upon drivers' request. Photo ID can be purchased 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 the annual pass is purchased after the 13th day of the month, the pass will be valid for 12 months starting the next month.
Senior Driver Renewal Program
A notice is sent by mail when a driver turns age 80 and includes a renewal form and instructions on how to book an appointment.
Items to bring to the renewal session: driver's licence (or temporary licence), the licence renewal form received in the mail, eye glasses used for driving, hearing aids, if needed.
A program which requires drivers age 80 and older to renew their driver's license every two years. The renewal process includes a vision test, a driver record review, a 45-minute group education session (GES), two brief written screening exercises, and completion of any follow up items which may include a road test.
Locations vary.
Accessible Vehicle Rentals, Wheelchairs In Motion
Must have a legal G-class license to rent a vehicle.
Call to make a reservation or request a reservation online.
Offers rentals of wheelchair accessible vehicles. Daily, weekly, and monthly rental available. Limited distance delivery and pick up is available, contact for more details.
Banyan Grocer-Ease Program
Seniors and people with disabilities
Contact to register or to join the waitlist
Takes individualized grocery lists from clients, shops in the store of the client's choice, and if required puts the groceries away upon delivery.
If a client wants products from two different stores they will be charged for 2 deliveries.
The service charge is based on the amount of the grocery bill.
If a client is in need of the service, but is not in charge of their finances, the program will work with their caregiver and shop for them and deliver. And extra charge is added to this service.
Shopping is done at the following grocery stores, according to client preference:
- Food Basics
- Fortinos
- FreshCo
- Metro
- No Frills
- Sobeys
Program is funded through the Local Health Integration Network.
St. Matthew's House Seniors First Response Team
Older Adults
Call or email for information.
Supports vulnerable, isolated older adults and seniors 55+ experiencing hunger, homelessness and income insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes those who are living outside in temporary shelter. Staff are able to deliver food and other supplies to those who are unable to access their community due to self quarantine and social isolation.
At Your Senior Service
Services designed to support seniors and their caregivers
Contact to register
Provides support services by qualified professionals that improve the quality of life for seniors and enables seniors to maintain their independence while living in their home. Hourly, weekend, short term, long term, and respite care available. Staff are properly screened, fully licensed and insured. Services include:
Personal care
- Exercise and range of motion
- Transferring
- Feeding
Companion care
- Fall prevention
- Medication reminders
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Shopping and errands
- Laundry
Specialty care
- Alzheimer's
- Dementia
- Parkinson's Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Hip Replacement
- Stroke