McMaster suggests alternate transport for students hit by Hamilton transit strike

Amid the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) strike, which began today, McMaster University has suggested other ways for students to get to class.

The union that represents HSR’s 800 employees, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 107, went on strike today after a months-long negotiation with the city over a new contract. While the city has offered a substantial raise, the ATU says it’s not enough.

The city’s proposal would keep HSR workers as the third highest-paid transit service behind Mississauga and Brampton. However, the ATU says the raise is not comparable to the raise given to other Hamilton staff.

Starting Nov. 9, all HSR service has been suspended across the city, making it more difficult for students to attend their McMaster classes. The university has suggested several other options for students saying, “all McMaster community members who use HSR services to get to and from campus are asked to consider alternative transportation arrangements.”

Their suggestions include; “carpooling with a colleague or friend, walking, or utilizing the City of Hamilton’s carpool, carshare, taxi, bikeshare and e-scooter programs.” The city offers a non-profit bikeshare program with 800 smart bike located throughout the city. There is also a substantial network of bicycle routes.

Also, this year, Hamilton launched an e-scooter pilot project this year. Users download an app, scan one of the scooters and can ride it throughout the city. Rides are charged based on the distance covered.

During this time the university said, “Everyone is encouraged to be kind to others, flexible, and considerate of the impact this will have on students, faculty and staff who use these services to commute to campus.”

“For those already driving to campus, consider offering a ride to friends and/or colleagues who can carpool with you, when possible. If you have an existing parking permit, there will be new, limited carpool spaces in select lots on campus offered to those who have at least one other individual travelling with them,” McMaster continued.