"HSR (FINALLY) Makes Travel Easier", January 25 2009
I have hated the HSR website since first year. I hated it even more last year when I was a CSR at Compass, and had to try and direct customers who wanted to get to various locations in Hamilton using the HSR. But (THANKFULLY) the HSR has realized the faults in their website and improved it!
However, I can't technically give HSR credit, because they are using Google Maps to make things easier. As reported in The Sil article, Hamilton is one of five cities to use this feature for their public transportation system.
As soon as I read the article, I passed it on to my staff at Compass. I used the tool for the first time last night, and found it was incredibly easy and helpful. Check it out here. A lot of people don't know how to get to the downtown GO Centre (which also sells Greyhound and Coach Canada tickets), so let me use that as an example.
Type in the address of where you would like to go (36 Hunter Street East), in the 'Search Maps' toolbar at the top of the screen. After the search has been completed, you can 'Get Directions', and if you click on that it allows you to pick by public transit, walking, or car from a drop-down menu. Type in an address you're starting from (1280 Main St W is a good one), as well as the time you plan on leaving.
When the search is completed it gives you options for the next three available trips, how to get to the first stop, what bus is coming, how long the trip will take you, which stop to get off at, and how much walking you need to do from the stop.
So if you ever need to know how to get somewhere in Hamilton using HSR, use the Google Maps option, it will really save you a lot more time and aggravation than using the normal HSR Trip Planner!!
*side note* Google is taking over the world and it makes me sooooo happy!!
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transportation. Show all posts
Monday, May 25, 2009
HSR Update from Compass Information Centre
"HSR Update from Compass Information Centre", October 28 2008
Denise Davy of the Hamilton Spectator reports that there is a proposed motion by the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR)
to increase bus fare by an additional thirty cents as of January. Although this will not impact full-time undergraduate students for this academic year, the increase will have a large affect on part-time undergraduate students, McMaster University Staff and some graduate programs.
The current cost of a monthly pass is $79.00, a strip of five tickets costs $9.25 (or $1.85 each) and a single fare is $2.40. I last reported about this issue when the HSR raised their fares January 1st 2008, the adult monthly pass increased 21% from its previous price of $71.00; while a strip of bus tickets used to cost $8.75. Their previous price increase was June 2007, when a single ride was $2.10, and a monthly pass was $65.00. If this motion is passed it means in twelve months public transportation in Hamilton would have increased by sixty cents.
For those who are not covered by the U-Pass, this fare hike will amount of money spent in a short amount of time. However, the HSR fare increase will also impact those who rely on the MSU bus pass.
As reported by Joey Coleman, the U-Pass for undergraduate students in the 2008-2009 academic year cost $94.80. For 2009-2010 the projected cost is $102.70, while for 2010-2011 it is $110.60. In contrast, the bus pass for 2007-2008 was $71.50. But as a first year the bus pass was only $67.50 of my student fees.
As you can tell, prices seem to be increasing rather steadily, and I’m sure you’re not the only one who is upset about it. Each year the price is projected to increase by 10% of the monthly cost starting at 120% for 2007-2008 and ending at 140% for 2010-2011. At that time another referenda will be held to determine if the student body wishes to continue having a bus pass as part of their student fees.
However, the prices for the next two years were only an estimate when the HSR released their report in February 2008. They stated that if the price of an adult monthly fare increases so will the cost of the U-Pass. 23 000 students have a U-Pass, which works out to an average of thirteen trips per user per month. Approximately 2.5 million trips are taken during the academic year using the HSR bus pass.
The new fare price will amount to $2.70 which is only five cents less than the TTC in Toronto. The TTC covers a much larger geographic area, and includes subway, streetcar and bus travel at that cost.
City councilors will be meeting November 14th to discuss the possible transit hike, which may come into effect as early as January 2009.
MacInsiders will be updating you on this matter as soon as more information comes available. You can also visit the Compass desk in MUSC, check out the Compass website, or email staff at compass@msu.mcmaster.ca.
Denise Davy of the Hamilton Spectator reports that there is a proposed motion by the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR)
The current cost of a monthly pass is $79.00, a strip of five tickets costs $9.25 (or $1.85 each) and a single fare is $2.40. I last reported about this issue when the HSR raised their fares January 1st 2008, the adult monthly pass increased 21% from its previous price of $71.00; while a strip of bus tickets used to cost $8.75. Their previous price increase was June 2007, when a single ride was $2.10, and a monthly pass was $65.00. If this motion is passed it means in twelve months public transportation in Hamilton would have increased by sixty cents.
For those who are not covered by the U-Pass, this fare hike will amount of money spent in a short amount of time. However, the HSR fare increase will also impact those who rely on the MSU bus pass.
As reported by Joey Coleman, the U-Pass for undergraduate students in the 2008-2009 academic year cost $94.80. For 2009-2010 the projected cost is $102.70, while for 2010-2011 it is $110.60. In contrast, the bus pass for 2007-2008 was $71.50. But as a first year the bus pass was only $67.50 of my student fees.
As you can tell, prices seem to be increasing rather steadily, and I’m sure you’re not the only one who is upset about it. Each year the price is projected to increase by 10% of the monthly cost starting at 120% for 2007-2008 and ending at 140% for 2010-2011. At that time another referenda will be held to determine if the student body wishes to continue having a bus pass as part of their student fees.
However, the prices for the next two years were only an estimate when the HSR released their report in February 2008. They stated that if the price of an adult monthly fare increases so will the cost of the U-Pass. 23 000 students have a U-Pass, which works out to an average of thirteen trips per user per month. Approximately 2.5 million trips are taken during the academic year using the HSR bus pass.
The new fare price will amount to $2.70 which is only five cents less than the TTC in Toronto. The TTC covers a much larger geographic area, and includes subway, streetcar and bus travel at that cost.
City councilors will be meeting November 14th to discuss the possible transit hike, which may come into effect as early as January 2009.
MacInsiders will be updating you on this matter as soon as more information comes available. You can also visit the Compass desk in MUSC, check out the Compass website, or email staff at compass@msu.mcmaster.ca.
The Secret Files Part Five: GO Student ID
"The Secret Files Part Five: GO Student ID", August 10 2008
Do you take the GO Train or Bus semi-regularly, or regularly? If so, there is a way for you to save money, just by being a full-time student.
The application process is simple, there are only a couple of things you need to remember, and best of all you do save some money (w00t!). So read on to find out more!
Although GO Transit offers a variety of passes (one-way, two-ride, ten-ride, monthly, day pass etc) the GO Student ID Card is only valid for on your monthly and ten-ride passes. The good news? Ten-ride tickets have no expiry, provided that your GO ID is valid. Monthly passes are unfortunately only valid for the month they are issued. The discount varies by ticket and length of trip (as GO charges by distance, and not one flat rate), but you will save between 10% and 30% on your ticket. If you go home often (a few times a month), or commute to school, that translates to quite a difference.
For example, if you are traveling from McMaster to Square One (a very popular destination from Mac), a one-way ticket costs $7.35. An adult ten ride ticket is $67.00, while the adult monthly pass is $238.00. If you compare that to the student ride cost, you pay $60.00 and $147.00 respectively. That translates to a lot of savings!! If you buy six monthly passes (not buying them the months you have exams), you will save $546.00 over the course of the year! That’s...well...not a lot of textbooks, but it makes a HUGE difference! If you want to calculate how much you will save from another destination, you can use GO Transit’s Fare Calculator.
GO Transit is an inexpensive means of travel to many places within the province. You can get as far east as Oshawa, as far north as Barrie, and to a whole lot of other places. If you would like to see exactly where GO Transit travels, please click here.
So how do you apply for your GO Student ID? First there are some criteria you need to fulfill. You must be a full-time undergraduate (or graduate) student. This means you must be taking at least 18 units of courses. So provided you are taking nineteen units or more, you are good. You must also be a fully registered student. That is all you need in order to apply (simple, isn't it?).
If you are a CO-OP or internship student you can still apply. But you will not be able to fill out the online form, as you will not have enough units to do so. However, you can contact Kate and Jeff (who are incredibly awesome) in the ACT office, (ACT@mcmaster.ca) and they can direct you on an alternative method for getting your ID.
As I mentioned earlier, the process to get your GO Student ID card is really simple. First, log on to MUGSI. Go to your Non-academic Services. In the right-hand corner, under quick links, there is an option that says 'Apply for GO Transit ID card'. Click on it. A drop-down menu will come down. You will want to apply for the 2008 Fall/Winter Term. Then, hit submit. Provided you meet the criteria, you only have to pick up your card. To pick up your card, you will want to go to Compass (in the MUSC Atrium) the Thursday after you apply. If you happen to apply on a Wednesday, you may be able to pick it up the following day, but it depends on when Compass receives the cards.
A very important word of warning: DO NOT LOSE YOUR CARD! It is quite a difficult process for a student to get a new card. You are only able to fill out the online application once, so if you lose your card you will need to go about getting your card a different way. To do so you will need to contact the lovely people from ACT, and go through what I understand is a rather irritating process. So keep it your card a safe place!!
There is one thing you need to remember about having GO Student ID Card. You must have the GO ID and a valid student ID card with you while traveling. Failure to do so can result in a fine. I’m not sure exactly how much the fine is, but I’m pretty sure no one wants to lose any of the money they have. Typically, you are asked more on the GO train than on GO bus, but nevertheless make sure you keep the card with you at all times.
The applications are available on MUGSI right now, so you might as well fill it out as soon as you’re done reading this article.
So...apply now!!
GO!
Do you take the GO Train or Bus semi-regularly, or regularly? If so, there is a way for you to save money, just by being a full-time student.
Although GO Transit offers a variety of passes (one-way, two-ride, ten-ride, monthly, day pass etc) the GO Student ID Card is only valid for on your monthly and ten-ride passes. The good news? Ten-ride tickets have no expiry, provided that your GO ID is valid. Monthly passes are unfortunately only valid for the month they are issued. The discount varies by ticket and length of trip (as GO charges by distance, and not one flat rate), but you will save between 10% and 30% on your ticket. If you go home often (a few times a month), or commute to school, that translates to quite a difference.
For example, if you are traveling from McMaster to Square One (a very popular destination from Mac), a one-way ticket costs $7.35. An adult ten ride ticket is $67.00, while the adult monthly pass is $238.00. If you compare that to the student ride cost, you pay $60.00 and $147.00 respectively. That translates to a lot of savings!! If you buy six monthly passes (not buying them the months you have exams), you will save $546.00 over the course of the year! That’s...well...not a lot of textbooks, but it makes a HUGE difference! If you want to calculate how much you will save from another destination, you can use GO Transit’s Fare Calculator.
GO Transit is an inexpensive means of travel to many places within the province. You can get as far east as Oshawa, as far north as Barrie, and to a whole lot of other places. If you would like to see exactly where GO Transit travels, please click here.
So how do you apply for your GO Student ID? First there are some criteria you need to fulfill. You must be a full-time undergraduate (or graduate) student. This means you must be taking at least 18 units of courses. So provided you are taking nineteen units or more, you are good. You must also be a fully registered student. That is all you need in order to apply (simple, isn't it?).
If you are a CO-OP or internship student you can still apply. But you will not be able to fill out the online form, as you will not have enough units to do so. However, you can contact Kate and Jeff (who are incredibly awesome) in the ACT office, (ACT@mcmaster.ca) and they can direct you on an alternative method for getting your ID.
As I mentioned earlier, the process to get your GO Student ID card is really simple. First, log on to MUGSI. Go to your Non-academic Services. In the right-hand corner, under quick links, there is an option that says 'Apply for GO Transit ID card'. Click on it. A drop-down menu will come down. You will want to apply for the 2008 Fall/Winter Term. Then, hit submit. Provided you meet the criteria, you only have to pick up your card. To pick up your card, you will want to go to Compass (in the MUSC Atrium) the Thursday after you apply. If you happen to apply on a Wednesday, you may be able to pick it up the following day, but it depends on when Compass receives the cards.
A very important word of warning: DO NOT LOSE YOUR CARD! It is quite a difficult process for a student to get a new card. You are only able to fill out the online application once, so if you lose your card you will need to go about getting your card a different way. To do so you will need to contact the lovely people from ACT, and go through what I understand is a rather irritating process. So keep it your card a safe place!!
There is one thing you need to remember about having GO Student ID Card. You must have the GO ID and a valid student ID card with you while traveling. Failure to do so can result in a fine. I’m not sure exactly how much the fine is, but I’m pretty sure no one wants to lose any of the money they have. Typically, you are asked more on the GO train than on GO bus, but nevertheless make sure you keep the card with you at all times.
The applications are available on MUGSI right now, so you might as well fill it out as soon as you’re done reading this article.
So...apply now!!
GO!
Communter Challenge
"Commuter Challenge", May 28 2008
From June 1-7th, the ACT Office (All-modes Commuting and Transport) on Campus is issuing a challenge to all students and staff at McMaster. Commute using ride-share, cycling, walking or public transit and your department can win prizes. Participate and you can win stuff too!
Some reasons to participate include cleaner air, helping to reduce climate change, increasing physical fitness, friendly competition, great prizes, and free food.
All you need to do is fill out a pledge form at Compass or the ACT Office (located in 1117 of Michael Degroote Centre for Learning [MDCL]). After handing in the form, you will receive an orange bracelet, Hamilton Commuter Challenge bracelet which is your opportunity to access activities put on by the City of Hamilton and the ACT Office.
So what can this bracelet do for you?
The first event is a free pancake breakfast from 7:30AM until 10AM on Friday May 30th in MUSC (McMaster University Student Centre). Dr. Peter Peter George, McMaster President and Azim Kasmani MSU President will be there, and so will some other McMaster celebrities. In order to get the pancakes you must have an orange bracelet. If you haven't signed up for the challenge yet you can do so here. On Wednesday June 4th you can take the HSR for free all day provided you wear your Hamilton Commuter Challenge bracelet. If you ride a bike, it is entitled to free repairs courtesy of MACycle CO-OP, June 2-6 from 11AM-3PM.
Even if you do not have a bracelet, you can come and check out some of the events. As part of the kickoff to the Commuter Challenge next week, there is an Active Transportation Fair in MUSC with information booths and vendors from 10AM-2PM on Friday May 30th. The HSR will also have a bus with a bike rack, so you can try loading you bike on to it, without being gawked at by a busload of people. Wednesday May 4th is Clean Air Day Celebration at the Commuter Challenge tent outside of MUSC, where free newspapers and refreshments will be given away. And lastly is the Tally Finale at the Commuter Challenge tent outside of MUSC, which lasts from 11AM-3PM, and will name the winner of the grand prize, as well as some secondary prizes.
The grand prize is a two-way business class roundtrip for two from VIA Rail anywhere in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor. Additional prizes from Marriot, Staybridge Suites, Sheridan Hamilton, Pieriks Cycle, HSR and Runner’s Den will be given away as well.
For more information, please go to http://ACT.mcmaster.ca, or go visit one of the lovely ladies from Compass. The Daily News also posted an article about it, which you can read here.
From June 1-7th, the ACT Office (All-modes Commuting and Transport) on Campus is issuing a challenge to all students and staff at McMaster. Commute using ride-share, cycling, walking or public transit and your department can win prizes. Participate and you can win stuff too!
Some reasons to participate include cleaner air, helping to reduce climate change, increasing physical fitness, friendly competition, great prizes, and free food.
All you need to do is fill out a pledge form at Compass or the ACT Office (located in 1117 of Michael Degroote Centre for Learning [MDCL]). After handing in the form, you will receive an orange bracelet, Hamilton Commuter Challenge bracelet which is your opportunity to access activities put on by the City of Hamilton and the ACT Office.
So what can this bracelet do for you?
The first event is a free pancake breakfast from 7:30AM until 10AM on Friday May 30th in MUSC (McMaster University Student Centre). Dr. Peter Peter George, McMaster President and Azim Kasmani MSU President will be there, and so will some other McMaster celebrities. In order to get the pancakes you must have an orange bracelet. If you haven't signed up for the challenge yet you can do so here. On Wednesday June 4th you can take the HSR for free all day provided you wear your Hamilton Commuter Challenge bracelet. If you ride a bike, it is entitled to free repairs courtesy of MACycle CO-OP, June 2-6 from 11AM-3PM.
Even if you do not have a bracelet, you can come and check out some of the events. As part of the kickoff to the Commuter Challenge next week, there is an Active Transportation Fair in MUSC with information booths and vendors from 10AM-2PM on Friday May 30th. The HSR will also have a bus with a bike rack, so you can try loading you bike on to it, without being gawked at by a busload of people. Wednesday May 4th is Clean Air Day Celebration at the Commuter Challenge tent outside of MUSC, where free newspapers and refreshments will be given away. And lastly is the Tally Finale at the Commuter Challenge tent outside of MUSC, which lasts from 11AM-3PM, and will name the winner of the grand prize, as well as some secondary prizes.
The grand prize is a two-way business class roundtrip for two from VIA Rail anywhere in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor. Additional prizes from Marriot, Staybridge Suites, Sheridan Hamilton, Pieriks Cycle, HSR and Runner’s Den will be given away as well.
For more information, please go to http://ACT.mcmaster.ca, or go visit one of the lovely ladies from Compass. The Daily News also posted an article about it, which you can read here.
GO Transit Contests
"GO Transit Contests", May 18 2008
Hey everyone!
GO Transit currently has two contests running, and you can win some pretty awesome stuff. Since we sell GO Transit tickets and passes, and a lot of people use GO Transit to commute to and from school or to go home on weekends, we thought we should tell you about them.
Are you a hockey fan? The first contest is the GO to the NHL Awards (yes, we saw the pun too). The winner and a guest will play a game of ball hockey with NHL players and alumni, get red carpet treatment at the NHL awards, after-party access, and transportation via GO to and from the event. Two runners-up and their guests will win get red carpet treatment at the NHL awards, after-party access, and transportation via GO to and from the event.
The contest closes at 9AM on Friday May 30th, and in order to win you need to be able to do basic seventh-grade math. More contest information can be found here.
So if you're not into hockey, maybe you'd like to some dancing set in the summer of 1963? The GO 'Have the Time of Your Life' contest (yup, we saw this pun too) has four winners. Each winner and their guest wins tickets to see the stage production of Dirty Dancing, return GO transportation, dinner at your choice of two restaurants, and a one-night stay at your choice of two hotels.
Like the previous contest, you must also need to do seventh-grade math. This contest closes at 9AM on Friday June 13. You can see the rest of the details here. Remember, no one puts Baby in the corner.
Hey everyone!
GO Transit currently has two contests running, and you can win some pretty awesome stuff. Since we sell GO Transit tickets and passes, and a lot of people use GO Transit to commute to and from school or to go home on weekends, we thought we should tell you about them.
Are you a hockey fan? The first contest is the GO to the NHL Awards (yes, we saw the pun too). The winner and a guest will play a game of ball hockey with NHL players and alumni, get red carpet treatment at the NHL awards, after-party access, and transportation via GO to and from the event. Two runners-up and their guests will win get red carpet treatment at the NHL awards, after-party access, and transportation via GO to and from the event.
The contest closes at 9AM on Friday May 30th, and in order to win you need to be able to do basic seventh-grade math. More contest information can be found here.
So if you're not into hockey, maybe you'd like to some dancing set in the summer of 1963? The GO 'Have the Time of Your Life' contest (yup, we saw this pun too) has four winners. Each winner and their guest wins tickets to see the stage production of Dirty Dancing, return GO transportation, dinner at your choice of two restaurants, and a one-night stay at your choice of two hotels.
Like the previous contest, you must also need to do seventh-grade math. This contest closes at 9AM on Friday June 13. You can see the rest of the details here. Remember, no one puts Baby in the corner.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
HSR Fare Increase, Jan 1st
"HSR Fare Increase, Jan 1st", December 2007
Fees are to go up a total of fifteen cents; from $2.25 to $2.40. Prices for strips of tickets will also be raised ten cents. A strip of tickets will now be worth $1.85 each, instead of their current $1.75; so instead of paying $8.75 for a strip, you will be paying $9.25. Of course, this means that monthly passes will also increase in price. This equates to a monthly pass being an additional eight dollars, or seventy-nine dollars.
In June fares were already increased; with a single ride rising from the price of $2.10 and monthly passes increasing six dollars from the original price of $65. A thirty cent increase is quite a rate hike.
The staff report, according to the “City staff recommend another bus fare hike” from the Spec says that Hamilton’s fares are 10-15% below the average and median fares of fourteen other large Canadian cities.
Personally, I don’t think that’s terribly relevant. I know the fares for the TTC have been steadily increasing over the last decade and it has actually resulted in fewer riders. Thus prices increased again, and riders decreased again as well. I have a feeling that this rate increase, especially if it keeps occurring every six months, will lead to an overall decrease in riders. This is something that the HSR, as well as the City of Hamilton can’t afford.
And I’d like to point out, that since the motion to raise the fares was passed on November 29th, the HSR website has done nothing so far to explain to its riders that it will cost more to ride. Nor has there been a lot of publicity on the matter. I see this as being pretty problematic, don’t you?
Are you a McMaster student who has to pay for the bus? I have some bad news for you. As of January 1st 2008, there will be a fare increase. For other full-time undergraduate students this could also mean the bus pass part of our student fees will be raised next year (boo!). This will also affect students who take the bus to school during the summer months, when the bus pass no longer applies.
Fees are to go up a total of fifteen cents; from $2.25 to $2.40. Prices for strips of tickets will also be raised ten cents. A strip of tickets will now be worth $1.85 each, instead of their current $1.75; so instead of paying $8.75 for a strip, you will be paying $9.25. Of course, this means that monthly passes will also increase in price. This equates to a monthly pass being an additional eight dollars, or seventy-nine dollars.
In June fares were already increased; with a single ride rising from the price of $2.10 and monthly passes increasing six dollars from the original price of $65. A thirty cent increase is quite a rate hike.
The staff report, according to the “City staff recommend another bus fare hike” from the Spec says that Hamilton’s fares are 10-15% below the average and median fares of fourteen other large Canadian cities.
Personally, I don’t think that’s terribly relevant. I know the fares for the TTC have been steadily increasing over the last decade and it has actually resulted in fewer riders. Thus prices increased again, and riders decreased again as well. I have a feeling that this rate increase, especially if it keeps occurring every six months, will lead to an overall decrease in riders. This is something that the HSR, as well as the City of Hamilton can’t afford.
And I’d like to point out, that since the motion to raise the fares was passed on November 29th, the HSR website has done nothing so far to explain to its riders that it will cost more to ride. Nor has there been a lot of publicity on the matter. I see this as being pretty problematic, don’t you?
HSR Strike
"HSR Strike", November 2007
Some of you may be a little bit stressed at the moment. Not from midterms, essays, presentations, assignments or upcoming exams, but from the simple fact of transportation. Because I live under a rock (no radio, no time for TV,
internet not working at my house at the moment), I had no idea what the situation was. However, I was at work today and I was informed. HSR may go on strike. With a strike deadline of 12AM on Thursday November 15th, many students could be quite screwed and quite quickly. I do not know what is going to happen.
But I do know the HSR has gone on strike more than once before, and it affected the students back then too. The previous time was the time of the Downstairs John, so admittedly it was some time ago (1998). During an SRA meeting during that time students voiced their concerns on the matter, and suggested that the SRA take action on their behalf: either by forcing the HSR and the region to negotiate, or to provide a bus service for students. However, the SRA stated that they could do neither, and gave three reasons. First although McMaster is a large community, they are not so big that they can force people to negotiate. Second, it would be inappropriate for the MSU to run buses on campus due to the many unions found here. And lastly, the cost would be far too much; they suggested $250 000 for only eight weeks.
That strike lasted for a total of twelve weeks; from November 1998 until January of 1999. 50 000 daily riders were impacted from the strike. Hamilton's air quality decreased (even more). Social services were exhausted trying to transport patients and volunteers. Those affected most by the strike were students, the working poor, and the elderly.
Two demands that the HSR drivers, mechanics and support staff want, according to an article in the Spectator is a pay raise above the inflation rate, and a washroom located downtown. Those are not outrageous demands by any stretch. Currently, drivers are using the bathroom in a restaurant downtown, which isn't open early or late so drivers on those shifts can't even use it.
I really hope that an agreement has been made. Although I don't rely on the bus as much as certain people do, the situation really sucks for everyone who is involved.
Some of you may be a little bit stressed at the moment. Not from midterms, essays, presentations, assignments or upcoming exams, but from the simple fact of transportation. Because I live under a rock (no radio, no time for TV,
But I do know the HSR has gone on strike more than once before, and it affected the students back then too. The previous time was the time of the Downstairs John, so admittedly it was some time ago (1998). During an SRA meeting during that time students voiced their concerns on the matter, and suggested that the SRA take action on their behalf: either by forcing the HSR and the region to negotiate, or to provide a bus service for students. However, the SRA stated that they could do neither, and gave three reasons. First although McMaster is a large community, they are not so big that they can force people to negotiate. Second, it would be inappropriate for the MSU to run buses on campus due to the many unions found here. And lastly, the cost would be far too much; they suggested $250 000 for only eight weeks.
That strike lasted for a total of twelve weeks; from November 1998 until January of 1999. 50 000 daily riders were impacted from the strike. Hamilton's air quality decreased (even more). Social services were exhausted trying to transport patients and volunteers. Those affected most by the strike were students, the working poor, and the elderly.
Two demands that the HSR drivers, mechanics and support staff want, according to an article in the Spectator is a pay raise above the inflation rate, and a washroom located downtown. Those are not outrageous demands by any stretch. Currently, drivers are using the bathroom in a restaurant downtown, which isn't open early or late so drivers on those shifts can't even use it.
I really hope that an agreement has been made. Although I don't rely on the bus as much as certain people do, the situation really sucks for everyone who is involved.
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