The Cuban government officially acknowledged the deep crisis facing the public transportation system on the island in recent months, significantly affecting the population, who endure long waits, overcrowded trips, and canceled routes due to a lack of resources. This further complicates daily life in a country already beset by multiple economic hardships.
In a report broadcast by the Cuban Television Information System, the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, detailed the multiple challenges that have affected the sector, ranging from the impact of the global economic crisis and the recurring argument of the intensification of the U.S. embargo to the deterioration of infrastructure and the lack of essential supplies.
Rodríguez highlighted that in the past year, problems have intensified, affecting both the quantity and quality of services.
Factors such as instability in the supply of fuels and lubricants, combined with the wear and tear of transportation means, have impacted the mobility of passengers and goods.
Despite the challenges, the Ministry of Transport expressed optimism by setting priorities for the current year that include increasing logistical efficiency, fulfilling the transportation plan for passengers and cargo, as well as initiating a process to recover infrastructure.
Additionally, it is expected that the recovery of spare parts, the substitution of imports, and the attraction of foreign investments in the port sector will help to mitigate, even if only partially, the current crisis.
Similarly, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero assured that actions are being taken to reorganize the transport services managed by non-state entities, in an attempt to revitalize the struggling sector.
According to the official newspaper La Demajagua, Marrero explained that the Government expects the private sector to continue supporting passenger transportation, but without imposing abusive prices.
"It is unacceptable for a state vehicle not to pick up people at the stops, and therefore it is necessary to demand and implement measures against those who violate this provision," emphasized Marrero during his remarks.
He also emphasized that, despite the shortage of fuel and material resources, considerable efforts have been made to maintain the minimum services for passenger and cargo transportation, preventing the country's economy from coming to a complete standstill.
Marrero also urged to enhance the operation of port-transport-internal economy, strengthen control over leased transportation means, and pay greater attention to the prevention and confrontation of merchandise theft.
Regarding the priorities for the upcoming months, the prime minister emphasized the importance of working towards the recovery of ambulances and funeral vehicles that are currently out of service, diversifying services in the railway and maritime-port sectors, and expanding offerings in civil aviation and roadways.
The public transportation crisis in Cuba is worsening over time, affecting the mobility of millions of citizens. At the end of 2024, the Transportation Minister admitted that the new vehicle import policies are not a definitive solution for the mobility crisis. Despite relaxing the import regulations, the shortage of transportation means continues to be a structural problem.
In February 2025, the state-run press attempted to justify the difficulties in the sector by attributing them to the sanctions from the United States. In an article titled "Who pays for the broken dishes of an economic war?", the newspaper Girón blamed the embargo for the blackouts, the rising prices, and the transportation crisis, although various independent analysts point out that government inefficiency and the lack of economic reforms also play a key role in the crisis.
In the absence of effective solutions, the Cuban government has resorted to emergency measures such as the relaunch of "solidarity transport" in Matanzas. This initiative requires state vehicle drivers to pick up passengers during key hours, in a desperate attempt to alleviate the urban transport crisis. However, the lack of control and coordination has led to issues in its implementation.
The situation has escalated to the point where there are rumors about a possible halt in interprovincial transportation due to the energy crisis. Although the minister of the sector denied these claims, he acknowledged that there are operational limitations and delays in bus and train services. The shortage of fuel and deficiencies in the electrical infrastructure have worsened the problem, affecting both passengers and the distribution of essential goods.
In this context, the transportation landscape in Cuba remains uncertain, with temporary measures failing to address the underlying issues. Meanwhile, the population faces long waits and difficulties in getting around daily, a reflection of a crisis that seems far from resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Public Transport Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of the public transportation crisis in Cuba?
The crisis in public transportation in Cuba is due to a combination of factors, including the impact of the global economic crisis, the U.S. embargo, the deterioration of infrastructure, and the lack of essential supplies such as fuels and spare parts. These issues have intensified in the past year, affecting both the quantity and quality of transportation services.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the transport crisis?
The Cuban government has outlined several objectives to address the transportation crisis, including increasing logistical efficiency, recovering infrastructure, and attracting foreign investments. Additionally, actions are being implemented to reorganize transportation services managed by non-state entities and it is expected that the private sector will continue to support passenger transportation.
How does the lack of fuel affect transportation in Cuba?
The lack of fuel in Cuba has been a critical factor that profoundly affects transportation, causing disruptions in services, long wait times, and route cancellations. This shortage impacts not only passenger transport but also the movement of goods, further complicating daily life and the country's economy.
What role does the private sector play in the transportation crisis in Cuba?
The private sector plays an important role in transportation in Cuba, where the government expects it to continue assisting in the transportation of passengers, but without imposing abusive prices. Actions are being taken to reorganize these services and ensure that state vehicles also pick up people at the stops.
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