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The Ministry of Transport (MITRANS) announced the launch of a new cargo transport service on the national passenger trains, available for both individuals and legal entities on the main railway routes in the country.
According to the official notice published on its Facebook profile, this service will allow the transportation of volumes ranging from one to six tons, under the accompanied cargo modality, meaning that the customer must travel on the same day as their goods.
Authorized products include packages, bundles, electronic devices, and various goods, provided they meet safety and packaging requirements.
MITRANS specified that bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles cannot be loaded with installed batteries or with fuel in the tanks, in compliance with current safety regulations.
The established rate is 14.98 pesos per kilometer traveled, with an additional 5% surcharge when the service is requested exclusively.
The National Routes agencies in Holguín, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo have been enabled to provide information and manage requests. Users can get in touch through the following contact numbers:
Agency RUN Holguín: 59984473
Agency RUN Bayamo: 63441393
RUN Agency Santiago de Cuba: 59984478
Agency RUN Guantánamo: 59984477
The official Facebook page Rutas Nacionales highlighted that the proposal is aimed at the transportation of general cargo in small setups and serves as an alternative to other modes of transport.
The agency reiterated that it will continue to oversee compliance with technical standards and urged users to utilize this service as an efficient and safe option.
Promises of modernization in a crumbling railway system
This announcement adds to the regime's efforts to showcase a modernization of the railway transport.
In August, it was reported about trials to provide WiFi, movies, music, mobile device charging, and local multimedia content on national trains.
The project, led by Solintel, ETECSA, and the company COSIE, included field trials to assess signal strength, bandwidth, and coverage within the train cars.
The plan also includes integrating entertainment systems with televisions and audio in the carriages, as well as equipping the crew with a wireless communication system via VoIP.
However, the authorities acknowledged that the project faces "technical and economic challenges," including the high cost of importing equipment certified under international railway standards, primarily from Europe.
For now, the installation is provisional and there is no confirmed date for final implementation.
Tariff context and recent background
The Cuban railway sector has been marked by fare adjustments in recent years.
In 2022, the government approved an increase in cargo transportation rates and cane transfer by trains through Resolution 124/2022 of the Ministry of Finance and Prices, aiming to reduce the losses of companies in the sector.
The regulation, published in the Official Gazette, set new maximum tariffs for various products, such as honey and bulk alcohol, as well as establishing specific conditions for the transportation of mixed cargo.
Despite announcements of technological improvements and new services, train travel in Cuba continues to face frequent criticism due to delays, infrastructure limitations, and a lack of quality in passenger service.
Although the government promises that the new cargo service aims to make use of the system's installed capacity and provide the public with an additional option, users encounter daily issues of stability, safety, and efficiency in rail operations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the new cargo service on national trains in Cuba
What is the new cargo service on national trains in Cuba?
The new freight service on national trains allows for the transport of goods alongside passenger travel. This "accompanied freight" option is available for both individuals and legal entities, and it enables the transport of between one and six tons of goods on the country's main railway routes.
What are the rates and conditions of this cargo service?
The rate for the cargo service on national trains is 14.98 pesos per kilometer traveled, calculated from the point of origin to the final destination. Additionally, a 5% surcharge will apply if exclusivity of the service is requested. The goods must meet the established technical safety and packaging requirements.
Where can inquiries about the new cargo service on trains be made?
Inquiries and requests regarding the cargo service on national trains can be made at the National Routes agencies in Holguín, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo. The contact numbers are: Holguín: 59984473, Bayamo: 63441393, Santiago de Cuba: 59984478, Guantánamo: 59984477.
How does the situation of railway transport in Cuba affect this new cargo service?
The railway system in Cuba faces serious operational and logistical challenges, such as frequent accidents and a lack of resources, which can impact the efficiency of the new freight service. However, the Ministry of Transport seeks to take advantage of the installed capacity of the railway system to enhance the transportation of goods and efficiency in the country.
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