The Spanish YouTuber Topeados de Viaje once again highlighted the situation in Cuba with a video in which he describes the ordeal he faced traveling from Havana to Viñales amidst the collapse of public transportation.
"Traveling through Cuba is not easy, and this trip has proven that to me. I tried to go from Havana to Viñales, but there were no buses, no schedules, and no information. The only option was to pay for a collective taxi, something very few Cubans can afford," the creator shared in the material posted on their TikTok profile @topeadosdeviaje.
During his journey, he recounted common scenes for Cubans: “I saw dozens of people hitchhiking with money in hand, waiting for hours under the sun.” And upon arriving at his destination, the situation didn't improve: “There was no electricity, no cold water, and the heat was unbearable. In one family, they offered me water and shared their story, and I understood here that despite having so little, people share everything they have.”
"Traveling is about seeing landscapes, yes, but above all, it is about opening your eyes and your heart to other realities," he concluded in his reflection.
A reflection of the transportation crisis in Cuba
The experience of Topeados de Viaje aligns with the critical transportation situation on the island. Only 35% of the planned bus services are fulfilled, according to official data, while hundreds of buses lie rusting in vehicle "graveyards" due to a lack of parts and fuel.
To alleviate the collapse, the regime recently announced the donation of parts from China to repair the bus fleet in Havana and presented projects such as the introduction of buses powered by biogas in Matanzas. However, these initiatives are progressing slowly and do not address the current shortage.
Rail transport is also not exempt from precariousness: this summer, the national trains delayed their schedules due to a lack of locomotives and cars, highlighting that official solutions are failing to reverse the accumulated deterioration.
"The Cuba that doesn't appear in the brochures."
The creator had already shown in another video the inequality on the island when visiting a popular cinema, a local market, and a shopping mall in Havana, where he stated: “I entered a shopping mall with shelves full of products that an average Cuban could never afford. The prices are in dollars and the average salary is $12 a month.”
In his series of content, he also recounted that in Cuba, "even if you have money, it doesn't mean you'll be able to eat", after accompanying a man in search of food who ended up rummaging through a trash bin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Transportation and the Social Situation in Cuba
Why is it so difficult to travel by public transport in Cuba?
Public transportation in Cuba is facing a collapse due to shortages of parts and fuel, resulting in only 35% of planned bus services being fulfilled. This forces many people to resort to hitchhiking or to pay for shared taxis, an expensive option for most.
How does the economic situation in Cuba affect the daily lives of its citizens?
Daily life in Cuba is characterized by food shortages, constant blackouts, and insufficient salaries, which force many Cubans to improvise to survive. Moreover, inequality is evident in markets with prices in dollars that are unattainable for the average salary of $12 per month.
What solutions has the Cuban government proposed to improve public transportation?
The Cuban government has announced the donation of parts from China to repair the bus fleet in Havana and the introduction of buses powered by biomethane in Matanzas. However, these initiatives are progressing slowly and do not address the current shortage.
What impact do living conditions in Cuba have on its inhabitants?
The living conditions in Cuba, characterized by blackouts, food shortages, and low wages, create desperation and discontent among the population. Many Cubans express their frustration and resignation regarding the impossibility of changing their situation.
How has the YouTuber Topeados de Viaje documented the situation in Cuba?
Topeados de Viaje has documented the Cuban reality through videos that showcase the precarious state of transportation, the scarcity of food, and testimonies from citizens living in extreme conditions. Their videos have generated a strong impact on social media by highlighting a Cuba that is far removed from the tourist brochures.
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