HSR plans for possible service disruptions with vaccine mandate in effect

The city of Hamilton says it is planning for possible service disruptions to the HSR when the COVID-19 vaccine mandate takes effect this week.

The HSR says it expects up to 10 per cent of bus operators will not meet the city-implemented requirement that all municipal workers must be either fully vaccinated by Nov. 1 or receive regular COVID-19 tests.

Starting Thursday, all city employees who have not submitted proof of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination will enter the city’s COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program.

In a news release issued Friday, the HSR says it has begun contingency planning for potential service disruptions “caused by employees who have not yet complied with the city’s policy.”

The transit provider’s plan will include prioritizing service at the start and end of the day to ensure customers can get where they need to go, identifying high-frequency routes that may be modified where required and continuously monitoring affected routes to protect service.

“The health and safety of our staff, customers and community remains our top priority. For this reason, HSR continues to encourage employees to comply with the policy by getting vaccinated or getting tested regularly to ensure a healthy and safe environment,” said Maureen Cosyn Heath, HSR Director of Transit, in a news release. “We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause our customers and commit to sharing up-to-date information with them as soon as it becomes available.”

The city is suggesting HSR riders download the HSRnow app on their devices for the latest information and to monitor HSR’s social media channels for updates.