Another act of vandalism shook public transport in Havana early this Wednesday morning, when bus 341 of the P13 was stoned during its route.
The violent incident, which took place in the municipality of Arroyo Naranjo, caused the glass of the entire right side window of the vehicle to shatter.
The incident occurred at 3:35 a.m. (local time) at Calzada de Bejucal and 4th Street, according to a report on Facebook by the Provincial Transport Company of Havana.
The source specified that the driver of the vehicle reported the incident at the station. He filed the report at the PNR of Capri. They broke a complete window.
"The union of the people's strength and the PNR is vital to reduce these incidents that conspire against the transportation recovery program being developed by the company and that affect the transportation of passengers in the capital," concluded the state-owned company.
The official source did not specify whether there was any passenger in the vehicle at the time of the incident, in addition to the driver.
Vandalism against public transportation is on the rise
The new act of vandalism took place just 24 hours after another similar incident, which occurred in this case in the Havana neighborhood of Santos Suárez, in the municipality of Diez de Octubre, where early Tuesday morning, bus 5248 on route 37 was stoned.
Previously, during the early hours of April 19, a vehicle serving the confrontational route P11 was attacked with stones.
Days earlier, a vehicle on route 23, identified with the number 5229, was also stoned in the vicinity of the Fábrica park while it was making its journey from the Lawton Terminal in the municipality of Diez de Octubre.
On that occasion, the state-owned company stated that, thanks to the intervention of the population and the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), several of the alleged responsible individuals had been apprehended.
In February, a driver from the P13 line was brutally attacked in the Parque de La Fraternidad by two passengers, sustaining a head injury that required medical attention.
And in January, a group of students threw stones at a P11 route bus following an argument with the driver.
The authorities have acknowledged the collapse of the public transportation system in Cuba, and have pointed out the shortage of spare parts, fuel, and vehicles as determining factors.
The official figures reveal an alarming picture: Only 252 buses were operational in Havana, while 309 were out of service, reflecting the regime's inability to maintain the country's basic infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vandalism in Public Transport in Havana
Why have acts of vandalism against public transportation in Havana increased?
The increase in vandalism in public transportation in Havana reflects the growing social tension and the deterioration of living conditions in the Cuban capital. Social frustration and the lack of effective government responses to the transportation crisis exacerbate the situation. These attacks not only endanger passengers and drivers, but also intensify the critical state of the transportation system, which is already facing a shortage of vehicles and spare parts.
What measures are the authorities taking to confront vandalism against buses in Havana?
The authorities have condemned the attacks and promised to strengthen surveillance. They have launched a call to the public to report any type of aggression or damage to urban buses. Citizens are urged to contact the National Revolutionary Police if they witness these acts and to assist in identifying those responsible. However, incidents continue to occur with alarming frequency.
How does vandalism affect the public transportation system in Havana?
Vandalism exacerbates the already critical situation of public transportation in Havana, where the scarcity of vehicles forces citizens to wait for hours to board a bus. Each attack not only causes material damage but also increases the climate of fear and uncertainty among users. Moreover, it jeopardizes the safety of passengers and drivers, further complicating mobility in a city already affected by a lack of resources and deteriorating infrastructure.
What is the current situation of public transportation in Havana?
Public transportation in Havana is in a critical situation, with only 252 buses operational while 309 are out of service. The shortage of spare parts, fuel, and vehicles severely limits the system's ability to meet the needs of the population. This collapse of the public transportation system is a reflection of the regime's inability to maintain the country's basic infrastructure, which increases social tensions and frustration among citizens.
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