Transportation

International students are free to travel to other Canadian provinces and require no official permission to do so.

McMaster Express Bus to Burlington

The Schedule is posted in front of the Psychology Building. For further information contact: Telephone: (905)528-6371. Compass Information Centre in the Student Centre has information regarding GO transit and other modes of transportation.

TAXI

Blue Cab Telephone: (905) 525-2583
Yellow Cab Telephone: (905) 522-3535

go transit

Government of Ontario (GO) Buses travel between Hamilton's surrounding cities (Guelph, Oakville, Toronto, Burlington, etc.) every day. They leave for Toronto every half hour during the day. The route starts and stops at the bus terminal. Pick-up points along King Street in Hamilton are King and John, Jackson Square (in front of the entrance to Canada Trust), King and Caroline, King and Queen, King and Locke, King and Dundurn. They are marked by green "GO-BUS" signs. For information about the GO transit, and the fare and schedule of buses going anywhere in Ontario (and also for GO train information) contact: (905) 527-8187. Or visit the Compass Information Centre in the Student Centre.

DRIVING IN ONTARIO

Owning a car:

Many students think that they would like to have a car. While this is certainly convenient, there are some things you should consider before bringing one to Ontario or buying one.

Vehicle Permits and Plates

If you bring a car into Ontario, you are required to obtain a vehicle permit and Ontario plates after 30 days. Contact a licensing office (see below) for more information about procedures and charges. You will have to show that you have insurance valid for Ontario. Licenses are issued by the Ministry of Transportation. Drivers and vehicles lincensing offices are located in various parts of the city. Consult the blue pages of the telephone directory under "Government of Ontario - Ministry of Transportation".

The closest one to the campus is at:

The Driver Examination Center, Kenora Office

370 Kenora Ave N,
Hamilton, ON, L8E 2W2 (Hamilton East end).

An appointment is necessary to take the written and driving test which can only be taken at this office or at the Burlington office (152 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON). It is also strongly advised that students unfamiliar with driving in North America should take lessons before going for their tests, to familiarize themselves with road signs, the highways and driving in snowy conditions.

Cost:

Aside from the cost of the car itself, you will need to buy insurance. Insurance companies are reluctant to insure temporary residents so you will probably have to obtain insurance through a special program which is likely to be very expensive. So, before buying a car, find a company that will insure you and determine what it will cost! As well, think about parking.

Parking:

If parking is available where you live (not always the case), there will probably be an additional charge. You will also find that temporary parking in Hamilton and Toronto can be expensive.

Parking on campus is restricted to designated areas and is at a cost to you. Parking on surrounding streets is also extremely scarce and there are time limits so this is not a reasonable alternative. If you still think you'd like to buy a car, consult your local library for information to help you choose. There are consumer reports that rate different models as well as books that give helpful advice.

Driver's License

For the most up-to-dat information regarding driving and licensing, visit the Ministry of Transportation's web site, at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/index.html.

Note: The Ministry of Transportation will likely waive you having to wait to get a road test for your G2 (G1, G2 and graduated licensing explained below) driver's license as long you have a valid driver's license in your home country. It will allow you to book your G1 exam and book your G2 exam. You will need to pass a driving test. The best is to call a driving school and book at least one class. Then you will also have the option of using the instructor's car. Before you have a driver's license, you will not be able to buy a car or insurance for it.

For more details, you can also call the Ministry's General Inquiry number at 1-800-268-4686 (toll free). The office in Hamilton is at 370 Kenora Ave N., (905) 561-7822, (905) 561-6806, Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are interested in taking your test in different location, check the listings at http://www.drivetest.ca/en/loc/Dec.aspx

If you plan to drive in Ontario, you must obtain an Ontario driver's license. If you already have a license from another country or an international driver's license, you may use this for up to 60 days, after which an Ontario license is required.

Graduated License System:

Ontario has a graduated license system in which drivers with less than 2 years experience are considered "new drivers" and must pass two levels of testing to be fully licensed. During this time, their temporary license will include restrictions relating to passengers, time of day they may drive, alcohol consumption and access to high­ways.

If you do not already have a driver's license, or if you have a license but less than two years experience, contact the Ministry of Transportation for further information about the graduated license system.

If you have a license from another country and have more than two years experience, you are immediately eligible to take the Level Two exit test, which involves written and road tests.

Please note that there will be a time delay between the written and road test during which your driving status will be the same as a learn­ing driver. (Any licenses issued outside of Ontario become void at this time.) During this period, among other restrictions, you are required to have a licensed driver with you when operating a vehicle.

There is a cost for these tests and a five year license. You must provide proof of experience license that has been valid for more than two years, an expired license covering that period, or a letter of confirmation from the authorities in your country.

Exceptions:

Holders of a valid US driver's license or Students from Japan with a valid Japanese license (a letter of translation from the Japanese Consulate and passport are also required)

Students with these licenses (and two years experience) may exchange their license for a full Ontario license. The fee is $50. Those with less experience should contact the Ministry of Transportation (at one of the offices listed on the back panel) for more information.

INSURANCE

Automobile insurance is expensive and compulsory. Rates vary so you should phone around for estimates. Consult the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Insurance Agents and Brokers" for companies which sell insurance.

NEED INSURANCE?

CONTACT:

Ministry of Education Driver Examination Services
York Blvd. at Plains Road, Burlington
(Zellers Plaza) Telephone: (905) 561-7822

Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing
1119 Fennel Avenue East, Unit # 1
Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA L8T 1S2
Telephone: (905) 383-0314

or

393 Main Street East
Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA L8N 3T7
Telephone: (905) 525-1210

PEDESTRIANS

Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Drivers will often stop to let one cross the street; however, it is still advisable to check for approaching traffic before crossing. "Jay-Walking" (crossing the street in the middle of the block rather than at an intersection or disobeying pedestrian signals, such as traffic lights) is illegal. There is a fine and a compulsory court appearance if you are caught jay-walking.

BICYCLES All of the traffic laws, which apply to cars, are applicable to cyclists. These regulations include coming to a full stop at red lights and stop signs, using signals to let others know what you are doing and yielding to pedestrians. Remember to ride on the road, not on the sidewalk, single file, and to signal when turning. If you use pedestrian facilities (crosswalks, sidewalks, or pedestrian corridors), get off your bike and walk. Use light reflectors for riding at night. Remember to lock your bicycle securely when parking.

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