The Spanish content creator @topeadosdeviaje has once again documented the difficulties that Cubans face when traveling within the country, this time with a testimony about his experience using public transportation in Cuba.
"A few days later, I tried to go back using public transportation, and this time I succeeded; I reached my destination. But let me warn you, it's not safe because you don't know what time the bus leaves or how often it comes," the YouTuber recounted in a video posted on TikTok.
In his description, the traveler highlights the extreme conditions of the service: "The waits are quite long, the heat is suffocating, and the bus is packed to the brim; you are very cramped and under considerable stress."
Despite paying only 60 Cuban pesos —about 15 cents of a euro, as specified— the experience was overwhelming. “The mental and physical sacrifice it entails, I wouldn't wish on anyone, because it's tough, very tough,” he said. “Here, moving around is a luxury and like many things in Cuba, you either pay dearly for comfort or you pay with your time, your fatigue, and your patience, because even the shortest transport becomes a real adventure.”
The video generated multiple reactions among TikTok users. “Public transportation in Cuba is an experience I recommend skipping!!! It’s not for everyone,” wrote one user. Others asked the creator what the first thing he did upon returning to Spain was after experiencing so many hardships.
This new video is part of a series of posts in which the YouTuber has documented the social and economic crisis in Cuba. In another account, he recounted his journey between Viñales and Havana, where he stated: "I tried to go from Havana to Viñales, but there were no buses, no schedules, and no information. The only way was to pay for a collective taxi, something very few Cubans can afford."
During that journey, he reported seeing "dozens of people hitchhiking with money in hand, waiting for hours and hours under the sun."
In previous posts, he shared images of blackouts, poverty, food shortages, and empty markets. "I had never felt so helpless," he confessed after documenting the daily lives of citizens who asked him for rice, milk, medication, or just a little bread.
In recent videos, he continued to show scenes of hunger and despair: "Some ask for food. Others scream in silence. Some blame the system, others the 'blockade'. But everyone... is hungry."
A reality that persists
The reports from @topeadosdeviaje align with official data and recent reports regarding the collapse of the transportation system in Cuba. As acknowledged by the regime itself, in 2024 only 35% of the planned bus services were fulfilled in the country, while thousands of vehicles remain inactive due to a lack of parts, fuel, or maintenance.
Although the Cuban government has received donations of vehicles from China and signed agreements with Russia for urban transport management, these efforts do not result in visible improvements for the population. Many routes remain halted or operate with only two runs a day, and terminals like San Agustín and Arimao have turned into graveyards of dismantled buses.
Despite the precarious situation, many Cubans continue to rely on a deteriorated public transportation system that offers minimal guarantees, while creators like @topeadosdeviaje share these experiences with the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Public Transportation and the Situation in Cuba
What is the current situation of public transportation in Cuba?
Public transport in Cuba is in a state of collapse, operating at only 35% of the planned services, according to official data from 2024. The system faces serious issues such as a lack of spare parts, fuel, and maintenance, resulting in long waits and a very uncomfortable travel experience for users. Despite donations of parts from China and agreements with Russia, there have been no significant improvements in the service.
What difficulties do Cubans face in their daily lives due to the collapse of transportation?
Cubans face long waits under the sun, buses filled to capacity, and a lack of fixed schedules, turning the simple act of getting around into a true ordeal. Poor public transportation forces many to pay for expensive shared taxis or to hitchhike, options that not everyone can afford. Additionally, the extreme heat and crowding in the vehicles exacerbate the physical and mental toll on those who rely on this means for their daily activities.
How does the transportation crisis affect the perception of Cuba among foreign visitors?
Foreign visitors, such as the Spanish YouTuber @topeadosdeviaje, have documented the transportation crisis in Cuba, revealing a reality very different from the country's tourist image. The testimonies of these visitors highlight the daily hardships faced by Cubans, from the collapse of transport to food shortages and power outages. These accounts provide a harsher and more realistic view of life in Cuba, generating impact and empathy on social media and among international audiences.
What other social issues has the YouTuber @topeadosdeviaje documented in Cuba?
In addition to the collapse of public transportation, @topeadosdeviaje has documented extreme poverty, food shortages, blackouts, and the despair of Cubans. Their videos show people asking for food, medicine, and other basic necessities, reflecting a reality of daily survival. The experiences of Cubans facing these conditions have moved international audiences, highlighting the struggle for dignity in an extremely challenging environment.
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