The Accessibility Committee for Persons with Disabilities put forward a report to Hamilton’s City Council today, making recommendations to shape the new HSR Fare Assist program.

Until the pilot program launched over the summer, folks with disabilities had free entry to the HSR busses.

But the Fare Assist initiative now provides a discount on bus fares in the city to low income Hamiltonians, and requires people with disabilities to pay as well.

Richard Leblanc, a Hamilton resident who is visually impaired, says this change limits his ability to get around the city.

“If I want to go shopping or anything like that, I have to do it strategically, because it’s $7 a day,” he said. “So, that takes away from money I put towards eating everyday.”

While Hamiltonians with disabilities can receive 30 per cent off bus fares, it requires them to have a PRESTO card, and advocates say the PRESTO system itself is not accessible.

Hamilton’s transit director, Maureen Cosyn, says bus drivers can help people with the PRESTO system, but Ward 11 Coun. Mark Tadeson thinks it is unrealistic.

“There are so many issues that we need to understand that only people with disabilities can know, and share with us,” Tadeson said.

City council moved to receive the report on Wednesday, but did not approve anything, as the Fare Assist program is scheduled to be discussed again later this month.

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