Although the Cuban authorities aim to maintain an optimistic narrative amid the current energy situation on the Island, a significant blackout has affected Cuba since early Friday morning, and many services, including interprovincial bus transportation, have been impacted by the situation.
According to the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, only three national transport terminals have generators to ensure the electricity supply: the Central Station and the Villanueva Station in Havana, as well as the Guantánamo Station. The rest of the stations in the country lack this energy backup, leaving hundreds of passengers in total uncertainty.
Also, the official announced that the National Bus Company (EON) was only able to execute 67 departures by noon on Saturday, of which 35 were interprovincial and 32 connected with Havana.
Although the authorities claim that only one departure was canceled, 11 routes experienced delays due to technical failures and delays in fuel availability.
Rodríguez Dávila himself acknowledged the precarious situation of the vehicle fleet, stating that currently only 48% of the buses are operational, an alarming figure that highlights the deterioration of the public transportation system.
The lack of spare parts, which can only be purchased with foreign currency, has halted nearly half of the fleet, resulting in an increasingly inefficient and chaotic service.
Passengers, for their part, suffer the consequences of a collapsed infrastructure. In terminals without power, waiting becomes unbearable amid the heat, mosquitoes, and lack of information.
Without lights or the possibility to charge their phones, passengers can only wait without knowing if their bus will depart or not.
And what about rail transport?
Authorities insist that train services continue to operate normally, albeit with some operational difficulties.
According to Rodríguez Dávila, local, provincial, and national trains are still in operation, with some delays.
The Guantánamo-La Habana train recently arrived in the capital, and its locomotive is preparing for the departure of the La Habana-Bayamo-Manzanillo train, scheduled for 7:20 p.m.
For its part, the Santiago-Havana train will also be in service, although its departure has been postponed due to issues with the preparation of the locomotive and the carriages.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Transportation in Cuba
How does the massive blackout affect bus transportation in Cuba?
The massive blackout has severely affected bus transportation in Cuba, as only three terminals are equipped with generators that ensure power supply. This creates uncertainty for passengers and operational difficulties in maintaining scheduled departures.
Which bus terminals in Cuba have energy backup during the blackout?
According to the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, only the terminals at the Central Station and Villanueva in Havana, as well as the one in Guantánamo, have generator sets to maintain the power supply during the blackout.
What is the current situation of the bus fleet in Cuba?
The bus fleet in Cuba is in a critical situation, as only 48% of the buses are operational. The lack of spare parts, which can only be purchased with foreign currency, has grounded nearly half of the fleet, impacting the efficiency of the service.
What measures are being taken to keep rail transportation operational during the blackout?
The authorities assure that the railway service is maintaining its regular schedule, although with some operational difficulties. Efforts are being made to ensure that local, provincial, and national trains continue to operate despite the technical issues.
What is the impact of the energy crisis on the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba has caused prolonged power outages that restrict access to basic services such as food, water, and healthcare. This situation has increased social discontent and has sparked protests in various regions of the country.
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