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The transportation service in Havana continues to face serious difficulties due to a shortage of parts and fuel, which has rendered most of the Gacelas, the minibuses responsible for transporting passengers on key routes in the city, out of service.
In a recently issued statement, the Facebook profile "Transportación Habana TH" acknowledged the situation and urged the public to remain calm and patient, assuring that measures are being taken to improve the service.
However, the current outlook does not hold much hope for a quick solution. The shortage of spare parts to repair the Gacelas adds to the critical fuel deficit affecting the entire public transportation system in the Cuban capital.
However, these problems are not new, as a few months ago, the same entity had reported on the difficult situation of the minibuses, making it clear that the transportation crisis in Havana was ongoing and would not improve in the short term.
In September, Transportación Habana TH announced that most of the Gacelas were temporarily out of service due to instability in the fuel supply, exacerbating the public transportation crisis.
According to the statement, for several days only two or three ambulances are expected to operate throughout the entire capital, a minimal number that highlights the seriousness of the situation.
Additionally, they reported that it was unclear when the service would return to normal, exacerbating the crisis in passenger transportation in the Cuban capital.
Just a week ago, Cuba's Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, reported on the serious challenges facing the Gacelas minibus service, which consists of 435 vehicles operating across 23 routes.
The official emphasized that only between 225 and 228 vehicles were operational, which represents a little over 60% of the total fleet.
Rodríguez attributed the situation primarily to a fuel shortage, as the 9,800 liters of diesel allocated daily are insufficient to meet the demand.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Transportation Crisis in Havana
Why are the "Gacelas" out of service in Havana?
The "Gacelas" are out of service in Havana mainly due to a shortage of parts and fuel. This crisis impacts a significant portion of the public transport system, leading to limited operations of minibuses and reduced mobility for citizens.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to improve public transport?
The Cuban government has implemented several strategies, such as fuel redistribution and extended supply hours. However, these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the crisis, and the quality of service remains poor. Electric tricycles have also been introduced as an alternative, although their range is limited.
How does the fuel crisis affect mobility in Havana?
The fuel crisis has drastically reduced the number of operational vehicles, significantly impacting citizens' mobility in Havana. Many routes have been limited to only two departures a day, complicating the daily transportation for thousands of people.
What are the main causes of the transportation crisis in Cuba?
The main causes of the transportation crisis in Cuba are the lack of fuel, the deterioration of the vehicle fleet, and the scarcity of spare parts. These issues are exacerbated by the overexploitation of routes and the poor condition of the roads, which increases breakdowns and limits the operability of public transportation.
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