How to commute around Hamilton if HSR goes on strike Thursday

The City of Hamilton is warning residents who rely on city buses to make alternative travel arrangements starting Thursday as Hamilton Street Railway workers prepare to strike.

ATU Local 107, the union representing around 880 HSR workers, and the city returned to the bargaining table Tuesday in hopes of reaching an agreement before the strike deadline.

The city says the meeting ended without a deal after the union indicated that it was unwilling to reduce its financial demands and would not agree to strike protocols.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton Transit workers reject offer, will strike Thursday

The city’s offer, which ATU Local 107 declined, would have provided an annual salary of $79,726 in the fourth year of the agreement, representing a salary increase of 12.75 per cent over the life of the contract.

The union has asked for an increase of 21.69 per cent over the next four years, resulting in a base annual salary of $86,860 in the fourth year of the agreement.

“The ATU Local 107’s offer significantly exceeds the city’s offer on wages alone. This increase would be unsustainable for Hamilton taxpayers,” reads a statement from the city issued Tuesday.

What are my transit options if HSR goes on strike?

The potential strike would see all regular and myRide buses out of service beginning Thursday.

DARTS service will not be impacted by what would be the city’s first transit strike in 25 years.

If walking or driving your own vehicle isn’t possible, here are other transit options for getting around the city if HSR workers strike.

Taxi services in Hamilton

There are three taxi services that operate in the city, including Hamilton Cab, Blue Line Taxi and Wavetrans.

Spokespeople for Hamilton Cab and Blue Line Taxi tell CHCH News that they are warning their staff and customers to prepare for an increase in demand for service should HSR workers strike.

READ MORE: Stoney Creek seniors petition for eliminated HSR route to be reinstated

Hamilton Cab says it has scheduled additional staff as of midnight Thursday and asked them to arrive at work early. However, the taxi company says it is limited by the number of licenced vehicles it has, which it says is controlled by the city.

Both taxi services noted that its prices will not rise as demand for service increases.

However, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have the ability to surge its prices as they are not regulated by the city.

Carshare in Hamilton

There are two carshare operators in Hamilton, giving users the ability to drive without the worries of auto ownership, maintenance and insurance.

Communato offers one-way and two-way carsharing. All you have to do is register online, reserve a vehicle using the Communato app, website or by phone, pick up the vehicle at its parking station and then return the vehicle to its station by the end of your reserved time. Vehicles can be booked by the hour, day or even weeks.

ZipCar provides two-way carsharing, allowing users to reserve a vehicle by the hour or day. Drivers can apply online to receive a ZipCard to unlock their vehicle and then return it to the same reserved parking spot when your time is up.

Hamilton Bike Share

Hamilton Bike Share Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that has over 800 smart bikes across the city.

Users can choose from three membership plans: pay-as-you-go for 15¢/minute, a monthly fee of $20 or $100 for six months.

Members will receive an assigned six-digit account number. They must use the account number and a PIN selected during registration to unlock a bike. To end your trip, you must lock your bike to a rack in one of 110 hub locations. You do not need to return your bike to the same hub you started from.

E-Scooter program

Earlier this year, the City of Hamilton launched its shared commercial electric kicker scooter pilot program.

Users must download the Bird Canada app to find the locations of the e-scooters. Once you choose an e-scooter you will have to scan its QR code on the top of the scooter.

Fare options include pay-as-you-go, three-day, seven-day and monthly passes.