China donated 40 containers of components for the repair of a hundred public transport buses in Havana.
The donation includes tires, batteries, electrical and suspension systems, paint, and interiors, reported the Cuban News Agency (ACN).
The repair will include 60 rigid buses of the ZK 6 118 model and 40 articulated buses of the ZK 6 180 model, said Iosvany Frías Álvarez, general director of the Bus Production Company Evelio Prieto Guillama (Caisa) to ACN.
The 40 containers of the donation are now being unloaded in the country, the information specifies.
"The idea is that, once all processes are completed, the buses will leave the Company ready to begin passenger transportation service," the official assured
All the vehicles have been moved to the Caisa facilities in Guanajay, Artemisa, which was "very complex from an organizational standpoint and required significant effort," he stated.
There, the mechanical disassembly of the engine-transmission assembly was carried out, which was subsequently sent to Havana for repairs and storage. In July of last year, a second phase began: the bodywork process at a pace of about 15 buses per month, followed by painting. All of this was in anticipation of the Chinese donation.
After classifying the donated items, they expect to have the first 20 buses ready by the end of the last quarter of 2025.
"We can assure you that the electrical work and mechanical assembly that will be carried out is more complex than building a new bus," emphasized the official.
Frías Álvarez emphasized the technical magnitude of the challenge: Once the assembly is completed, rigorous testing processes will begin to ensure the required quality.
The first 20 repaired rigid buses will be allocated to the routes with the highest demand in the capital, with one bus per municipality in Havana during the initial phase, aiming to gradually cover all routes, the information concludes.
Recent reports indicate the extreme deterioration of the public transportation system in the Cuban capital. Only 252 buses were operational in Havana in April, while more than 300 remained out of service.
In March, the regime acknowledged the collapse of the national public transport system, significantly affecting the population that faces long waits, overcrowded rides, and canceled routes due to a lack of resources every day.
Only in Havana, urban routes have reduced their frequency to "one or two buses per day."
Frequently asked questions about the Chinese donation for the repair of buses in Havana
What does China's donation for the repair of buses in Havana include?
The donation from China includes 40 containers of components necessary for repairing a hundred buses in Havana. These components include tires, batteries, electrical and suspension systems, paint, and interior elements.
How many buses will be repaired thanks to the Chinese donation?
The project includes the repair of 60 rigid buses of the ZK 6 118 model and 40 articulated buses of the ZK 6 180 model. The aim is for these vehicles to be fully ready to resume passenger transport service in Havana.
When is it expected that the first repaired buses will be in circulation?
It is expected that the first 20 repaired rigid buses will be ready by the end of the last quarter of 2025. These will be assigned to the high-demand routes in Havana, starting with one bus per municipality in the initial phase.
What is the current state of public transportation in Havana?
The public transportation system in Havana is in a critical state, with only 252 operating buses in April and more than 300 out of service. This situation has been acknowledged by the authorities, who admit the seriousness of the crisis due to a lack of resources and spare parts.
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