The Cuban regime announced this Sunday the partial resumption of National Bus routes for the summer, amid a deep transportation crisis that continues to restrict interprovincial mobility in the country.
The information was published by the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, on his Facebook profile, where he stated that, “despite the complexities presented by the lack of technical availability, the National Bus Company (EON) will facilitate passenger mobility on various routes.”
The statement aims to present as an achievement a measure that barely meets a small portion of the demand accumulated over the years.
During the summer season, intermodal services will be implemented on the Batabanó–Pinar del Río and Batabanó–Santiago de Cuba routes, offering an option for passengers traveling to or from the Isle of Youth by ferry or catamaran, allowing them to continue their journey beyond Havana.
However, only those who purchase the full intermodal ticket in advance will have priority.
Two routes that were suspended since the pandemic will also be permanently reactivated: Habana–Vertientes, with biweekly departures on Mondays and returns on Tuesdays; and Habana–Corralillo, with weekly departures every Saturday, round trip on the same day.
The minister himself acknowledged that the current conditions of the vehicle fleet do not allow for the regular scheduling of additional departures.
"Extra trips could be made available on an occasional basis, only if there is technical availability," emphasized the head of the department.
While the regime promotes these actions as part of a strategy to "ensure mobility," the facts reveal a different reality: the infrastructure is collapsed, the supply remains insufficient, and traveling between provinces in Cuba continues to be, for many, an unsolvable odyssey.
Recently, Rodríguez boasted that the train to Expocuba will resume operations starting on July 2nd, in a social media post where he emphasized that this resumption aims to provide an option that is “accessible and convenient” 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, it highlighted on Facebook.
The railway service to Expocuba was out of operation for an extended period, amid the deterioration of the infrastructure and the scarcity of resources for its maintenance.
What's interesting in this case is that, although the regime showcases the train's recovery to ExpoCuba as an important option during the summer season, many of these "recreational" options currently exhibit a high degree of deterioration.
For example, Lenin Park, which has been the main recreational destination for many Cuban families for years and was inaugurated in 1972, is in a state of alarming deterioration, with its facilities vandalized, attractions rusted, and infrastructure in ruins.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Resumption of National Bus Routes in Cuba
What intercity bus routes have been resumed in Cuba this summer?
Two routes that were suspended since the pandemic have been permanently resumed: the Havana–Vertientes route, with biweekly departures on Mondays and returns on Tuesdays, and the Havana–Corralillo route, with weekly departures every Saturday, round trip on the same day. Additionally, intermodal services will be implemented on the Batabanó–Pinar del Río and Batabanó–Santiago de Cuba routes.
What problems does the bus transportation system in Cuba face?
The bus transport system in Cuba faces issues of collapsed infrastructure and lack of resources. Only 48% of the buses are operational due to a shortage of spare parts and fuel, which limits interprovincial mobility and creates an inefficient and chaotic service.
What alternatives are being offered to improve mobility in Cuba during the summer?
In addition to the bus routes, the resumption of train service to Expocuba has been announced, connecting the Central Station of Havana with the Expocuba fairgrounds. This train will operate with two daily trips from Wednesday to Sunday, as an "affordable and convenient" option during the summer season.
How does the energy crisis affect transportation in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba has worsened public transportation issues, causing blackouts and restrictions on fuel supply. This affects both bus and train services, leading to delays and route cancellations, and increasing uncertainty for passengers.
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