Cuba's Public Transport Crippled: 90% Service Reduction Leaves...

Qué pasó

The public transport system in Cuba is experiencing an unprecedented crisis, with urban, interurban, and short-distance services reduced by 90%. This drastic cutback leaves millions of Cubans with severely limited options for travel.

This situation is a result of a critical shortage of fuel and the ongoing deterioration of existing infrastructure, making reliable transportation a daily struggle for the population.

Dónde y cuándo

The crisis is nationwide, affecting all provinces of Cuba. The Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, highlighted the dire situation during a visit to Havana.

Specifically, daily interprovincial bus departures have plummeted from 419 in 2025 to just 11 currently. Out of over 100 routes connecting provinces, only 21 remain operational. The rail system has also seen drastic cuts, with trains now running once every 16 days instead of every four.

Por qué es importante

This collapse directly impacts the daily lives of millions. People face long waits, struggle to reach their workplaces, and find it difficult to visit family or access essential medical services.

For many workers and retirees, the cost of travel between municipalities has become unaffordable, straining already tight budgets focused on food and medicine. This lack of mobility hinders economic activity and isolates communities.

Qué dicen las partes

Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila acknowledged the severity of the crisis, citing the data on reduced service outputs. The government is attempting to promote electric mobility as a solution to the fuel scarcity.

However, even this alternative faces significant hurdles. Reports indicate state-owned electric tricycles are often immobilized due to a lack of electricity for charging, highlighting the instability of the power grid.

Qué viene ahora

The government's push for electric vehicles continues, with their share in vehicle imports rising sharply. Cuba has approximately 150,000 electric vehicles in operation.

Despite the official promotion, the success of electric transport hinges on a stable power supply, which remains a major challenge. Observers will watch closely to see if the electric initiative can overcome the island's persistent energy crisis.