The public transportation crisis in Cuba reached a new level of danger this weekend when an articulated bus on route A40 ran out of fuel inside the Bay Tunnel, forcing passengers—several of whom were minors—to exit the vehicle and continue on foot in high-risk conditions.
The Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, himself confirmed the incident on Facebook: "I have received information regarding the articulated bus #378 operating on route A40 in Havana, which ran out of fuel in the Bay Tunnel while on a confrontation service. Passengers had to expose themselves to the danger of walking out of it."
Images shared by witnesses show children walking along the narrow edge of the tunnel, an extremely dangerous maneuver given the visibility conditions and vehicle traffic in the area. Many of them, apparently, were returning from the beach with their families.
Although the minister promised that the incidents would be "investigated," this is not an isolated event, but rather another manifestation of the deep energy and fuel crisis that is suffocating the Island, a direct result of state inefficiency and poor resource management.
"Nothing happens now and nothing will happen. Years ago, I also had to cross it. We would come out blackened by the soot from the cars passing around us," a user recalled in the minister's post.
A collapsed transportation system
What happened in the tunnel in Havana is not an exception; it is part of the everyday reality for Cubans.
Last April, the popular "Gazelles" (MetroTaxis) – one of the few relatively efficient transportation options in the capital – had to suspend their services due to a lack of fuel.
"Unfortunately, our beloved Gazelles were unable to refuel last night, which means that today we will not be able to provide our usual service," reported Transportación Habana (TH), leaving thousands of workers, students, and elderly individuals without a way to get around the city.
Despite the repeated collapses, the regime continues to prioritize the use of fuel for official caravans, political events, State Security vehicles, and police patrols, while the general population suffers from increasingly restricted, dangerous, and uncertain mobility.
Visible consequences, invisible responsibilities
Despite public outrage on social media, official responses remain vague, lacking real accountability and failing to provide structural solutions. Instead of transparency, there is an abundance of silence. Instead of effective management, the narrative of "resistance" is repeated.
The current situation is unsustainable. The chronic lack of fuel not only halts transportation but also puts lives in direct danger, as evidenced by the fact that children had to walk through a tunnel due to the system's negligence.
Meanwhile, state propaganda continues to promote the image of a country on the move, oblivious to the distress of citizens who risk their lives to return home.
The question that many are asking is: How long will Cubans have to risk their lives for a bus? And the answer, so far, is the silence of the very State that should protect them.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Public Transportation Crisis in Havana
What happened with the bus in the Havana Tunnel?
An A40 bus ran out of fuel inside the Bay Tunnel in Havana, forcing passengers, including minors, to exit on foot in hazardous conditions. This incident highlights the fuel crisis facing public transportation in Cuba.
Why is the incident in the Havana tunnel considered dangerous?
The incident was dangerous because the passengers, including children, had to walk along the narrow edge of the tunnel, in conditions of poor visibility and heavy traffic, putting their safety at risk.
What does the Cuban government say about the transportation crisis?
The Cuban government has promised to investigate incidents like the tunnel, but official responses have been vague and without real accountability. Often, the embargo is blamed, but the population continues to face limited and dangerous mobility.
How does the energy crisis affect transportation in Cuba?
The energy crisis has drastically reduced the operation of public transportation vehicles, affecting the mobility of citizens. The lack of fuel and spare parts exacerbates the situation, leaving many with no transportation options.
What solutions are being implemented to improve transportation in Havana?
Measures such as fuel redistribution and the acquisition of new minibuses have been introduced, but these solutions are insufficient to resolve the crisis. The lack of fuel remains a critical issue that limits mobility in the city.
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