Havana runs out of Regla ferry

The Provincial Transport Company of Havana published an informative note warning about the temporary suspension of the popular Regla Ferry service since May 20th due to a breakdown.

The state entity specified that "the main cause was an issue with the boat's steering system", which caused "the propeller to come loose and fall into the water".

Dives were carried out, but due to the turbulence in the water caused by recent rains, the propeller could not be found, so the decision was made to replace it," the note added.

Regarding the forecasts for the resumption of service, it was indicated that it is expected to be this Friday, but in any case, the population "will be duly informed in case of any other changes regarding the resumption of maritime transportation, with date and time."

In the final segment, the Provincial Transport Company of Havana apologized for the inconvenience caused and provided a telephone number and email address for "any complaints or requests."

In the comments section of the publication, several internet users exploded in indignation over the new episode that interrupts the service of the "Lanchita de Regla," a very important means of transportation for some residents in the capital.

"Ridiculous! They suspend the service because the propeller falls into the water and they can't find it due to the turbulence. It seems like a meme but no, it's Cuba," commented an outraged internet user.

The oldest transportation service in the capital no longer resembles what it used to be. As a rule, I know for a fact that a single boat is not enough, and I feel scared when I board it because many people use this means of transportation, which caters to individuals from other municipalities. "Put three boats," another person pointed out.

"Without words, it could explode at any moment"; "It's the lack of attention and maintenance in everything"; "How long will the stories go on? What rains if it only rained yesterday for just ten minutes?"; "I imagine it's the disease that corrodes us: non-payments. That's why nothing can be planned, and what breaks, stays broken. How sad!" were other opinions.

Until the publication of this note, the Minister of Transportation of Cuba, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, who is usually very active on social media, has not spoken out about the new breakdown of the Regla Ferry.

The ups and downs of the Regla ferry

In February, Rodríguez Dávila reported that at that time only one of the six little boats in Regla was operational due to "technical issues" with the other five, and anticipated what was expected to be the evolution of the service in the coming months.

The minister then informed that by the end of March three new engines and an additional set of repair equipment would arrive, along with other resources, which would accelerate the repair of the boats that were stranded at the time, something that clearly has not happened.

He also said that it was expected to have a second vessel in operation by the end of April, another in the second half of the year, and two more at the beginning of 2025, following coordination with the shipyards.

The transport manager also reported that the rescue vessel would be put into service, allowing nighttime routes to be restored, although he did not specify when.

The senior official added that they were also exploring alternatives through international collaboration for the acquisition of additional boats.

The trips of the popular Lanchita de Regla, which connects three points in the bay: the Regla Inlet, the Muelle de Luz, and Casablanca, were restored in mid-November after the reconstruction of the access walkway to the boat, whose deterioration had forced the service to be interrupted on September 22.

With a capacity for about 100 passengers, the Regla ferry makes its journey between Regla and the Muelle de Luz in about seven minutes.

The popular maritime route - which represents a relief for those who need to travel between Regla and Old Havana - was also interrupted for part of the summer of 2023 after the vessel underwent repairs due to "an issue with the bushing of the motor shaft line."

After resuming the service, it was for a short time. In September, the capital authorities announced once again the interruption of trips to replace the old walkway with a new one. The decision to repair the pier was made after numerous complaints about the poor condition of the access bridge, which jeopardized the safety of the travelers boarding the boat.