Another bus stoned in Havana: Violence against public transport is increasing

Vandalism against public transport endangers passengers and employees in the sector, exacerbates the shortage of vehicles, and creates a climate of fear among the population.

P11 route busPhoto © Juventud Rebelde

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A new attack on a bus in Havana again highlights the growing climate of violence and social tension surrounding the already collapsed public transportation system in the Cuban capital.

This time, the incident occurred during the early hours of this Saturday, when a vehicle on the P11 route was stoned, as reported by the Provincial Transport Company of Havana through its official account on Facebook.

The incident was reported at 5:16 AM by the dispatcher at the Guanabo Terminal. The bus identified with the number 8475 suffered a broken passenger window after being hit by a stone.

Facebook Capture / Provincial Transport Company of Havana

The unit immediately went to the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) station located at Dragones and Zulueta in Old Havana, where the report was formalized. Authorities assured that they are investigating the incident in collaboration with the state company.

"The union of the strength of the people and the PNR is vital to reduce these incidents that affect passenger transport in the capital," the company stated in its announcement.

This new case adds to an alarming series of attacks against state buses that have occurred in recent months.

Just this week, another vehicle on route 23, identified by the number 5229, was also stoned in the vicinity of the Fábrica park while it was making its route from the Lawton Terminal. On that occasion, the intervention of locals and PNR agents led to the arrest of several alleged perpetrators.

The list of violent incidents doesn't end there. In February, a P13 bus driver was brutally assaulted in the Park of Fraternity by two passengers, and received a head injury that required medical attention.

In January, a group of students threw stones at a P11 bus after an argument with the driver.

Vandalism against public transport not only endangers passengers and workers in the sector but also exacerbates the already critical situation of transportation in Havana, where the shortage of vehicles forces citizens to wait for hours to board a bus. Furthermore, it creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in a population already struggling with daily shortages.

Despite the authorities condemning these attacks and promising to strengthen surveillance, the incidents are occurring with disturbing frequency.

Many citizens believe that these events are a direct reflection of the deterioration of living conditions, social frustration, and the lack of effective responses from the government in the face of a transportation crisis that is worsening over time.

While the Transport Company and the PNR work to clarify the latest attack, the public demands concrete actions to curb violence and ensure safe service. However, for now, the reality is that traveling by bus in Havana has increasingly become an uncertain and dangerous experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Violence on Public Transport in Havana

What recent incidents have occurred in public transportation in Havana?

In recent months, there have been several attacks on buses in Havana, including stone-throwing at vehicles on the P11, P13, and 23 routes, as well as physical assaults on drivers. These vandalistic acts reflect a growing climate of violence and social tension in the Cuban capital.

Why has violence against public transportation in Havana increased?

Violence against public transport in Havana has increased due to the deterioration of living conditions and social frustration, exacerbated by the lack of effective responses from the government to the transportation crisis. The shortage of vehicles and insecurity on the streets further worsen the situation.

How are the authorities responding to these acts of vandalism?

The authorities, along with the Provincial Transportation Company of Havana, have promised to investigate and strengthen monitoring to reduce these incidents. However, the constant repetition of these attacks suggests that the measures taken so far have not been effective in ensuring the safety of passengers and public transport workers.

What impact do these acts of vandalism have on the public transportation system in Havana?

These acts of vandalism negatively impact an already collapsed transportation system, causing material damage, interrupting services, and increasing fear and uncertainty among the population. The lack of adequate transportation forces citizens to wait for hours, exacerbating social tensions.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.