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The boat that connects the community of El Socucho with La Boca beach, one of the busiest tourist spots in Las Tunas, resumed operations this weekend with a fare of 50 pesos per passenger, a price that doubles what was charged in previous seasons and has elicited numerous criticisms from users.
The Provincial Company for Passenger and General Cargo Transport (Cardinal) reported that the vessel will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. According to the Cuban News Agency (ACN), the launch passed the annual technical inspection and received the necessary authorization to operate.
However, the announcement was accompanied by a warning that raised even more concern: travel will be "subject to fuel availability," a condition that many interpreted as a sign that the service could be suspended at any time.
On social media, the criticisms focused both on that uncertainty and on the increase in price.
Several users pointed out that, in a previous post, Cardinal had announced a fare of 20 pesos per passenger.
"Yesterday it was 20 pesos and today it’s 50," commented a user. Another person joked, "Today 50, tomorrow 100, and the day after 150."
The increase also raised concerns among those who rely on fixed incomes.
Although some users downplayed the increase due to inflation, others pointed out that the new price represents a significant expense for many Cuban families seeking to enjoy a day at the beach during the summer.
The mention of fuel availability also elicited numerous reactions.
"One leaves early in the morning and when they arrive, they're told that there is no fuel that day?" questioned a user. Another summed up the sentiment of many with a brief comment: "The important note is that there is no fuel."
Distrust is not coincidental. Cuba is experiencing a deep transportation crisis caused by fuel shortages and the deterioration of the vehicle fleet. In Las Tunas, the authorities themselves have acknowledged that the province receives less than one third of the planned fuel and that only a portion of the state vehicles can remain in service.
Some users also recalled similar experiences with transportation routes that were announced but ceased operations just a few days after their inauguration, while others pointed out that reaching the boarding point in El Socucho is already a challenge due to the limited availability of public transportation.
The first weekend of operations was not without complaints either.
A user stated that the passengers remained for hours under the sun waiting to board the vessel.
"I went yesterday and they have terrible service. They left people, even those with children, waiting in the sun for nearly two hours and no one provided any answers," she wrote.
In addition to passenger transport, Cardinal reported that the service will charge 50 pesos for bicycles, 100 pesos for motorcycles, and 20 pesos for each piece of baggage transported.
The company expects that private boats will also take part in transporting passengers to La Boca during the summer season, although some users have pointed out that in previous occasions, private operators have charged up to 1,000 pesos per person, an amount that is unattainable for a large portion of Cubans.
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