Two drivers with over 45 years of experience each working for Hamilton Street Railway reflect on the changing appearances of their riders over the decades. Pasquale “Pat” Almonte and retired Maurice Powell both remember industrial workers in overalls and business people in formal wear and briefcases as common sights on their downtown routes. Almonte started in 1979 and recalls the influx of workers going to Hamilton’s industrial areas due to lack of parking, as well as business people commuting to downtown offices. The veterans note that riders’ appearances have become more casual as the city has grown, with an annual ridership of about 21 million per year.
Powell, who started with the HSR in 1969 after receiving a call while on vacation in Jamaica, describes his journey to becoming a driver. Almonte had experience driving before joining the HSR at 24, having navigated five-tonne dump trucks. Both drivers express their love for the job and the interactions with passengers and city life that come with it. Their stories are part of the ongoing Take a Ride exhibit at Lister Block, showcasing the HSR’s 150-year history from horse and buggy to natural gas-powered buses. The exhibit includes archive materials, artifacts, old photographs, and wayfinding signs dating back to the late 1800s.
Director of Transit Maureen Cosyn Heath outlines the HSR’s plans to celebrate its anniversary in 2024, which include retro-wrapped buses, $1.50 fare days, commemorative PRESTO cards, and an open house at the Mountain Transit Center. With almost 1,000 workers and over 300 buses cleaned and prepped each night, the HSR is one of the city’s largest divisions. Cosyn Heath mentions a new growth plan to improve service over the next 5-10 years through route re-envisioning and network upgrades. Extensive public consultations have informed the plan, which will be presented to council by the end of 2024.
The HSR’s anniversary campaign details can be found on the City of Hamilton’s website. The exhibition at Lister Block, featuring stories like those of Almonte and Powell, provides a glimpse into the history and evolution of public transportation in the city. Retro-wrapped buses and commemorative items like PRESTO cards serve as reminders of the HSR’s long-standing presence in the community. The drivers’ passion for their work and the connections they have made with passengers over the years highlight the importance of public transit in the city’s daily life. As the HSR looks toward the future, plans for growth and improvement aim to enhance the rider experience and meet the evolving needs of the community.
