The Gazelle minibus service—known as the "gacelas"—in Havana, which consists of 435 vehicles across 23 routes, is facing serious challenges, as currently only between 225 and 228 are operational, which represents just over 60 percent of the fleet.
According to the Ministry of Transport of Cuba, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, this is primarily due to a shortage of fuel, as the 9,800 liters of diesel allocated daily are insufficient to meet demand.
On the social network Facebook, the head of the ministry stated that, additionally, between 40 and 45 minibuses experience breakdowns daily due to overexploitation and poor road conditions.
It was also updated that by November, these vehicles, managed by private transporters in cooperation with the government, had completed over 157,000 trips, transporting more than two million passengers.
However, the lack of parts, technical issues, and social indiscipline exacerbate the situation.
"Of the 23 routes, 14 are considered the most complex, taking into account the indicators: poor road conditions: 17, 6, 9, 8, 11, and 23; and social misbehaviors of passengers, mainly students: 17, 13, 20, 4, 5, 24, 14, 3, and 16; among other indicators," he wrote in the post.
Rodríguez Dávila stated that the main issues with the service are: technical stoppages in the workshop and occasional disruptions due to a lack of parts, components, and accessories; a shortage of fuel for the entire fleet, and the allocated fuel is insufficient for longer routes, which are between 24 and 26 km, affecting the last trips.
He also mentioned that "the distances for refueling vary in some cases between 20 and 40 km, which affects the final laps; poor road conditions, detachment of side doors, breakage of windows and seats, due to overuse and social indiscipline."
In light of this situation, the subsidiary company Metrotaxis, part of Taxis Cuba, has implemented several measures, such as redistributing fuel, extending supply hours, improving route controls, and sanctioning service violations.
It also works on improving the pick-up points and updating tools such as the APK Rutero to provide better service to users.
However, he stated that although progress has been made, significant challenges remain in ensuring the quality of service under the current conditions.
In September, the service in Havana was once again impacted by a lack of fuel, just two months after the popular mode of transport had been halted (in July) for the same reason.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Transportation Crisis in Havana
Why are only 60% of the "gacela" taxis operational in Havana?
Only 60% of the "gacela" taxis are operational, primarily due to a lack of fuel. The 9,800 liters of diesel allocated daily are insufficient to meet the demand for these vehicles, which limits their operability. Additionally, the poor condition of the roads and overuse contribute to the frequent breakdowns of the minivans.
What measures has Taxis Cuba taken to address the fuel shortage?
The company Taxis Cuba has implemented several measures to address the fuel shortage, including the redistribution of fuel and extended supply hours. They have also improved route controls and penalized service violations. However, despite these efforts, the crisis continues and significantly impacts the quality of service.
How does the poor condition of the roads affect the "gacelas" taxis?
The poor condition of the roads contributes to the overexploitation and frequent breakdowns of the "gacela" taxis. This includes issues such as the detachment of side doors, broken windows, and damaged seats, further limiting the operability and efficiency of the transportation service in Havana.
What alternatives are being considered to improve transportation in Havana?
To improve transportation in Havana, new routes for electric tricycles are being implemented, and efforts are underway to assemble more vehicles of this kind. These electric tricycles are intended to provide an alternative amid the fuel crisis, although their range is limited compared to the existing demand.
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