Hamilton Street Railway riders can now pay fares with convenience of credit. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Taking transit in the city just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the provincial government.
As of Monday, January 23, riders on Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) can simply tap a physical or electronic credit card to pay their fare – no need to carry exact change or set-up a PRESTO card.
“Expanded payment options offer our transit customers greater choice and make it easier to travel seamlessly within our community and between different transit services, which will further grow ridership,” Mayor Andrea Horwath said as part of a government press release Monday.
“Whether it is a tourist exploring Hamilton for the first time or a resident needing to connect to the region, there has never been a more convenient time to take transit.”
The expansion of credit payment on PRESTO devices began in 2021 on the Union Pearson (UP) Express. In 2022, the option was extended to the entire GO Transit network and the Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville transit systems. According to the province, there have been well-over half a million boardings using credit cards on these transit systems to date.
Monday’s announcement included the expansion of credit capability to Burlington Transit, York Region Transit, and Durham Region Transit.
“This latest milestone in the continuous advancement of the PRESTO system will provide users greater ease and convenience when travelling for work, school, leisure, and more,” Associate Minister of Transportation Stan Cho said.
“The expansion of credit card payment on PRESTO devices in Durham Region, York Region, Burlington, and Hamilton is just another way our government is simplifying the transit experience for Ontarians.”
The province is reportedly working to expand the credit card payment system to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and to introduce debit tapping payment capability to all transit agencies in the GTHA.
A specific date for the introduction of debit was not provided.
“We are thrilled to see transit riders using new PRESTO payment options like contactless credit, making their transit experience even easier, more flexible and convenient,” Barclay Hancock, Chief Payments Officer at Metrolinx said in a statement.
“Every day, more riders are tapping their credit cards on agencies where this is already available, and we are excited to be expanding this functionality to Durham, York, Burlington and Hamilton.”
Only adult standard (cash) fares are available to be paid with a credit card tap. The adult standard flat rate on HSR is currently $3.25. The PRESTO adult standard rate is $2.60.
