In an announcement that has generated both excitement and questions, the Provincial Transport Company of Havana reported that starting Monday, June 16, two new electric bus routes will begin operating in Alamar, a populous neighborhood to the east of the Cuban capital.
The vehicles, belonging to the MIPYME MECANIK11, will operate from the departure point known as Micro X with two destinations: one to the Naval Hospital and the other to Virgen del Camino.
Both routes will make stops within Alamar, with fares ranging from 50 CUP for those local trips.
Once they leave Alamar, the price increases. The buses heading to Villa Panamericana and the Naval Hospital will charge 150 CUP, while those to Virgen del Camino will charge 200 CUP.
According to the official statement, the service will be available from 6:00 AM until dusk.
The buses will feature a digital payment system using a QR code, which requires notifying the driver's number to validate the payment. In the description, the user must write the word BUS. Additionally, they must include the amount to be charged for their journey.
The launch of these services comes at a critical time for the country, which is facing a deep energy crisis.
In recent months, outages of over 20 hours have been reported in several provinces—although in Havana, they tend to be shorter—which has led to skepticism among the population regarding the feasibility of operating electric buses under these conditions.
On the other hand, public transport continues to be overwhelmed across the country, with long waits, a shortage of vehicles, and a system that fails to meet user demand.
Although the new routes could provide relief for some residents, the project raises serious questions about its sustainability, in a context where electricity supply is unpredictable and technical resources are limited.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Company of the capital has not provided details on how they will ensure the charging and maintenance of these electric buses, nor what measures they will take in the event of prolonged power outages, like those currently affecting the country.
For many, the initiative could be a step towards modernizing transportation, but the disconnect between the announcement and the actual conditions raises questions that still await answers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Electric Bus Routes in Havana
What are the new electric bus routes in Havana?
The new electric bus routes in Havana will operate from the departure point known as Micro X with two destinations: one to the Naval Hospital and the other to Virgen del Camino. Both routes will make stops within Alamar.
What is the cost of the fare for these new electric bus routes?
The ticket price varies depending on the destination. For local routes within Alamar, the price is 50 CUP. If the buses are headed to Villa Panamericana and the Naval Hospital, the cost is 150 CUP, while the trip to Virgen del Camino costs 200 CUP.
How is the fare payment made on the new electric bus routes?
The payment will be made through a digital system using a QR code. Passengers must notify the driver's number to validate the payment and write the word BUS in the description, in addition to including the amount to be charged for the journey.
How will Cuba's energy crisis affect the operation of these electric buses?
The energy crisis creates skepticism about the feasibility of operating electric buses, as prolonged blackouts may hinder the charging and maintenance of the vehicles. The Transport Company of the capital has not yet detailed how they will ensure these operations in the event of power outages.
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