The train to Expocuba will resume operations starting July 2, according to an announcement made this Wednesday by the Cuban Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, in a social media post where he emphasized that this resumption aims to provide an "affordable and convenient" option during the summer season.
The service will connect the Central Station of Havana with the Expocuba fairgrounds with two daily trips, from Wednesday to Sunday, emphasized the head of the sector on Facebook.
The first train will depart at 7:50 a.m. with an expected arrival at 9:10 a.m., and its return will be at 10:40 a.m.
The second trip will start at 2:20 p.m. and return from Expocuba at 4:40 p.m.
Each train will consist of three cars, with a capacity for 48 seated passengers and 20 standing passengers per car, totaling 204 passengers per trip.
The ticket price will be 20 Cuban pesos, a fact that the official highlighted as a significant achievement amidst the crisis affecting the sector.
During its journey, which takes approximately 80 minutes, the train will make stops at 12 stations: Luyanó, Dolores, La Víbora, Naranjito, Miraflores, Los Pinos, Alcázar, Arroyo Naranjo, El Galápago, Calabazar, Piscina del Parque Lenin, and Expocuba.
Rodríguez presented the return of the train as a step within the official strategy to "facilitate access" to Expocuba and other nearby recreational spaces such as the National Botanical Garden, Lenin Park, and the National Zoo.
It also linked it to the government's intention to expand economic mobility options in light of the current challenges with urban transportation.
The railway service to Expocuba has been out of operation for an extended period, amid the deterioration of infrastructure and a lack of resources for its maintenance.
The curious thing in this case is that, although the regime showcases the restoration of the train to ExpoCuba as an important option for the summer season, many of these “recreational” options currently show a high degree of deterioration.
For example, Lenin Park, for years the main recreational destination for many Cuban families and opened in 1972, is in a state of alarming deterioration, with its facilities vandalized, attractions rusted, and infrastructure in ruins.
Frequently Asked Questions about the return of the train to Expocuba and transportation in Cuba
When will the train service to Expocuba resume?
The train to Expocuba will resume operations starting July 2, as announced by the Cuban Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila. This service aims to provide an affordable transportation option during the summer to facilitate access to recreational spaces in Havana.
What is the train schedule to Expocuba?
The service will have two daily trips, from Wednesday to Sunday. The first train will depart from the Central Station of Havana at 7:50 a.m. and arrive at Expocuba at 9:10 a.m., returning at 10:40 a.m. The second trip will be at 2:20 p.m., with a return from Expocuba at 4:40 p.m.
What is the cost of the train ticket to Expocuba?
The ticket price will be 20 Cuban pesos. This cost has been presented by the Cuban government as an economical option amid the transportation crisis in the country.
What is the current status of recreational spaces like Expocuba and Parque Lenin?
Despite the government's initiatives to promote these spaces, many of them, like Lenin Park, are in an alarming state of disrepair. The facilities are vandalized and the attractions are rusty, highlighting the lack of maintenance and resources.
What problems is the transportation system in Cuba facing currently?
The Cuban transportation system is facing a deep crisis due to a shortage of spare parts, fuel, and vehicles. The deterioration of the rail and road infrastructure has exacerbated the situation, affecting both urban and interprovincial mobility and generating a negative impact on the national economy.
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