HSR reduces service as number of absent drivers increases during COVID-19

The city of Hamilton will reduce its weekday HSR service to the equivalent of a Saturday schedule to ensure there are enough drivers during the novel coronavirus. 

Changes will begin on March 23rd and take place for service running between Monday and Saturday. The Sunday schedule will remain the same. 

Saturday HSR routes usually run less frequently compared to a normal weekday schedule. An updated bus schedule will be available for riders by Friday, March 20th. 

Today the City of Hamilton provided further updates to the community on its COVID-19 response including impacts to HSR service. Effective Monday, March 23, until further notice, HSR is moving to a Saturday level of service from Monday–Friday, across most routes. More details: https://t.co/UguAsIt7FW

— Hamilton Street Railway (@hsr) March 16, 2020

Paul Johnson, the city’s emergency operations director, said the changes are to accommodate a depleted workforce as the virus continues to spread. In a report filed by the Hamilton Spectator, Johnson said the new measures are to prepare for drivers going into self-isolation. 

There have already been driver shortages because of the province’s mandated closure of schools and other childcare services. 

HSR is urging riders to stay home and not use public transit if they show flu-like symptoms or are generally not feeling well. 

Share post

Tags

• bus
• coronavirus
• COVID-19
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• hsr
• public transit
• transit