Your HSR ride to connect with GO trains and buses will soon be free

Taking the HSR to connect with GO train or GO bus service in Hamilton will be free starting March 14.

The Progressive Conservative government announced the local fare-saving changes Tuesday, about three months ahead of the next provincial election.

The free" local transit ride will apply to customers leaving or coming into the city on GO regional trains or buses and using a PRESTO card.

Practically, this means paying the $2.55 cost of an HSR bus ride to the GO station, but having that amount automatically deducted via PRESTO from the cost of your GO train or bus trip.

There is already a 75 per cent HSR discount for such rides, but the latest changes will completely eliminate double fares" for regional travellers, said a release from the provincial Ministry of Transportation. Separately, new GO discounts for youth and post-secondary students will also be introduced.

The ministry estimated the changes could see a Hamilton-to-Toronto commuter save $218 annually, assuming three return trips per week.

The free rides on HSR will not affect the local property tax budget, said city transit head Maureen Cosyn Heath.

Matthew Van Dongen is a transportation and environment reporter at The Spectator. mvandongen@thespec.com