The Ministry of Transportation of Cuba announced important changes in the ticket sales for buses and national trains as well as the maritime connection with the Isle of Youth, including the return of sales through Viajero agencies and the reduction of the reservation period to just three days before each trip.
The decision was informed this Sunday by the Ministry of Transportation, which stated that it had taken into account "the feedback received from the public" and the need to increase the occupancy of services, at a time when demand continues to exceed the available supply.
One of the main updates is that the available capacities on national trains, Ómnibus Nacionales, and the maritime link with the Isle of Youth will once again be sold through the ticket sales agencies of the Viajero Company in all municipalities across the country where these offices exist.
The change represents a significant alteration to the system implemented since June, when the government removed ticket sales from the Viajero agencies and the Viajando application and transferred the allocation of available capacities to provincial groups or commissions that prioritized specific cases.
These provincial groups will not completely disappear. The Ministry indicated that they will maintain a minimum level of services on each National Bus departure originating from the territory to assist passengers whose need to travel is deemed urgent.
The Viajando application, however, will remain out of service.
The authorities indicated that ticket reservations through the platform will remain suspended until the technical work being carried out is completed, and they stated that they will provide information later regarding its reactivation.
The suspension of Viajando dates back to June, when the Ministry of Transportation implemented another significant cut to national and interprovincial services due to fuel shortages.
At that time, bus and train frequencies were also reduced, and the available capacities began to be allocated according to priorities set by the authorities.
Another significant change is the deadline for purchasing tickets. From now on, the capacities for bus, train, and boat can be reserved with just three days in advance of the travel date.
The Ministry justified the decision by stating that it was due to "the difficulties with fuel supply to ensure the fulfillment of scheduled departures."
The new modality will begin to be implemented this week.
On Wednesday, August 12, the ticket agencies of the Viajero Company will begin selling the capacities for the trips that will take place starting on August 15, now under the new three-day time frame.
The capacities that are not sold in advance at Viajero agencies will be available on the same day of departure at the train stations, maritime connection terminals, and National Bus terminals, as applicable.
The announcement does not currently include an increase in frequencies.
The agency specified that the departures of national buses, national trains, and the vessel from the Isle of Youth will continue on the currently scheduled dates and times.
The current refund policy of Empresa Viajero will also remain in effect.
The reorganization comes after months of severe adjustments in Cuban transportation. In May, authorities announced reductions in the frequency of buses, trains, and ferry services due to the fuel crisis, a situation that subsequently led to even stricter exit restrictions and changes in how the scarce tickets available were distributed.
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