Provincial transport company highlights support for the Book Fair, and users react: "What are we supposed to leave in order to go to work when there is no transport or support?"

The Provincial Transport Company of Havana announced through its social media that public transportation in the capital is receiving support from other transport entities to ensure the mobility of the population to and from the 33rd International Book Fair, which is taking place at the Morro-Cabaña Historic Military Park.

The statement emphasizes the significance of the cultural event and highlights the collaboration of other entities to facilitate citizens' attendance. The shared images show the arrival of buses and people moving around the event.

Citizens reacted immediately, highlighting the contradiction between the support for the Book Fair and the lack of transportation for workers. "For the fair, there are buses and fuel, but to go to work, we still have to walk," said a user frustrated with the situation. Others denounced the inequality in the allocation of resources, like a resident of Regla who commented, "We are still without transportation; they didn't provide reinforcement for the ferry. After 6:30, you have to pay $250 to get home."

The outrage was also expressed in criticisms of the transportation management. "We continue to waste resources on fairs that contribute nothing, while the buses disappear from the stops and people can't get to work on time," said a user who was frustrated by the lack of buses in key areas of the city. Another citizen added, "It's disrespectful to the people; they can't find transportation and they line up buses for the Book Fair." In a similar vein, another user joked, "For all the events, there’s plenty of fuel and buses, but for daily life, there’s nothing. What a country."

The transport crisis has severely impacted the daily routines of Havana residents. One user reported that "many get home after 10 at night because the transport system is in collapse," while another criticized that "public transportation is in total crisis. People need to get around daily, not just for events." The frustration also extended to those who do not see the Book Fair as beneficial for the majority, as one commenter expressed: "People don't even buy books anymore because they can only think about what they will eat tomorrow. It’s a shame."

Transport crisis in Cuba

The support measure for transportation to the Book Fair comes amid a crisis in public transport in the capital. In recent months, citizens have reported long waits at bus stops and reduced service frequencies on key routes. The transportation crisis has been exacerbated by fuel shortages and the deterioration of the vehicle fleet.

In the case of Regla, the situation is even more complex following the breakdown of the only functioning boat on February 20. The Transport Company of Havana announced it would reinforce the route with three buses, but residents claim that the measure is inadequate.

While the government allocates resources for transportation to the Book Fair, citizens are demanding greater investment in daily transport. "The Fair is important, but so is allowing people to reach their jobs and hospitals without spending hours at a bus stop," commented a user. Outrage on social media continues to grow, with many calling for an urgent solution to improve mobility in the city.

The cultural event is taking place at a critical time for mobility in the capital, and the decision to allocate additional resources to the transportation for the Fair has sparked a debate about the priorities in the management of public transport in Havana.

Frequently Asked Questions about the transportation crisis in Havana and support for the Book Fair