On this episode of Transit Unplugged, Paul Comfort sits down with Nancy Purser, Acting Director of the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). After 15 years with the agency, Nancy now leads one of Ontario’s most historic and ambitious transit systems — one that’s preparing for transformative growth.
Nancy shares how HSR is executing HSR Next: Moving Hamilton Forward, a seven-year network redesign that will expand service by 50%, add new routes and on-demand zones, and better connect residents — especially those in equity-deserving and suburban communities — to jobs, education, and opportunity.
She also discusses HSR’s shift to a 100% CNG fleet by the end of 2026, emerging exploration into renewable natural gas, the city’s newest indoor fueling and storage facility, and what it means to become the greenest transit fleet in Ontario.
Plus, Nancy opens up about her path into transit, the power of customer-focused service, and how dragon boat racing keeps her energized outside of work.
In This Conversation, You’ll Learn:
Why Hamilton chose to preserve the historic HSR name — and why riders love it
How HSR Next will reshape the network, expand frequency, and support suburban growth
What it takes to deliver 50% more transit service over seven years
The environmental and operational impact of going fully CNG
How municipal investment and federal capital programs influence long-term planning
Ridership trends — and how immigration policy and education markets affect demand
The role of equity, access, and job connectivity in modern network redesigns
How community partnerships and strategic planning positioned HSR for its “golden era”
Episode Credits
Host & Producer: Paul Comfort
Executive Producer: Julie Gates
Producer: Chris O’Keeffe
Editor: Patrick Emile
Associate Producer: Cyndi Raskin
Consultants: Dan Meisner & Jonas Woost, Bumper
Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo — passionate about moving the world’s people.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.
