Cuba’s transportation crisis has reached alarming levels, with the government itself acknowledging the severity of the situation. The island, once bustling with activity, now faces a dire shortage of buses and locomotives, crippling its ability to move people and goods efficiently.
In a recent statement, Cuban Minister of Transport Eduardo rodríguez Dávila revealed that by the end of 2024, the country had only 239 buses in operation, with 225 of them allocated to national programs.This marks a stark decline from 2019, when 464 buses were operational, as noted by Óscar Carbajal, president of the Car Transport industry Group. The reduction has created “a very tight situation” in transportation, leaving many Cubans stranded and struggling to commute.The crisis extends beyond buses. The railway sector is also in disarray. René González Molina, general director of the Cuban railway Union, highlighted the challenges faced by his sector, stating, “It has been more than two years since we received funding in foreign currency, and most of the elements of the railway require imports.” He added that the low availability of locomotives, particularly larger ones, has destabilized services, compounded by a lack of fuel. Currently, Cuba has fewer than 20 locomotives, with only nine to ten in working condition.
The impact of this crisis is felt across the island. in 2024,urban routes in areas like Pinar del Río and Isla de la Juventud were partially paralyzed due to fuel shortages and other logistical issues. Rodríguez Dávila admitted that 2024 was a year in which “some indicators of the transport sector were not achieved,” failing to meet the objectives set for the year.
The following table summarizes the key points of Cuba’s transportation crisis:
| Aspect | 2019 | 2024 | Change |
|————————–|———-|———-|———————|
| Operational Buses | 464 | 239 | Decreased by 48.5% |
| Locomotives Available | N/A | <20 | Only 9-10 functional|
| Urban Routes Paralyzed | Minimal | Widespread | Significant Increase |
The situation underscores the broader economic challenges facing Cuba,as the transportation sector’s collapse exacerbates daily hardships for its citizens. For more insights into Cuba’s ongoing struggles, read about the recent collapse at the Higher Institute for Industrial Planning in Havana.
As the crisis deepens, the Cuban government’s inability to address these issues raises questions about the future of the island’s infrastructure and its impact on the lives of its people.
Cuba’s Transportation Crisis: Insights from Expert Dr. Carlos mendez
Table of Contents
Cuba is facing an unprecedented transportation crisis, with severe shortages of buses and locomotives crippling its ability to move people and goods. In 2024, the island had only 239 operational buses, a sharp decline from 464 in 2019, while the railway sector struggles with fewer than 20 locomotives—only a handful of which are functional. To understand the depth of this crisis and its implications, we spoke with Dr. Carlos Mendez, a specialist in Latin American infrastructure and transportation systems.
The Current State of cuba’s Transportation System
Editor: Dr. Mendez, could you start by giving us an overview of the current state of Cuba’s transportation system?
Dr. Mendez: Certainly. Cuba’s transportation system is in a dire state. The bus fleet has been reduced by nearly 50% as 2019, leaving only 239 buses operational, with most allocated to national programs. This has left urban areas, especially places like Pinar del Río and Isla de la Juventud, in a precarious situation. The railway sector is no better, with fewer than 20 locomotives and only nine to ten in working condition. The lack of fuel and foreign currency to import essential parts has compounded these issues, making it nearly impossible to maintain even basic services.
Impact on Daily Life
Editor: How is this crisis affecting the daily lives of Cubans?
Dr. Mendez: The impact is profound. Many people are left stranded, unable to commute to work or school. In 2024, urban routes were partially paralyzed due to fuel shortages, making it even harder for people to move around. This has a ripple effect on the economy, as goods cannot be transported efficiently, leading to shortages in essential supplies. The situation has created a cycle of hardship that is difficult to break without significant intervention.
Challenges in the Railway sector
Editor: What are the main challenges facing Cuba’s railway sector?
Dr. Mendez: The railway sector is facing multiple challenges. First, there’s a severe lack of funding in foreign currency, which is critical for importing necessary components. Most of the railway infrastructure relies on imported parts, and without adequate funding, maintenance has become nearly impossible. Second, the low availability of locomotives, especially larger ones, has destabilized services. Additionally, fuel shortages have made it difficult to keep even the few operational locomotives running. These factors combined have left the railway system in a state of disarray.
Government Response and Future Prospects
Editor: How has the Cuban government responded to this crisis, and what are the prospects for the future?
Dr. Mendez: The government has acknowledged the severity of the situation, as evidenced by recent statements from Minister of Transport Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila. However,the response has been inadequate. For example, it has been more than two years as the railway sector received any foreign currency funding. This lack of timely intervention has exacerbated the crisis. Looking ahead, significant investment and strategic planning are needed to rebuild the transportation infrastructure. Without this,the situation is unlikely to improve,and the daily lives of Cubans will continue to be severely affected.
Conclusion
Cuba’s transportation crisis is a multifaceted issue that has far-reaching implications for the island’s economy and the daily lives of its citizens. As Dr. Carlos Mendez highlights, the severe shortages of buses and locomotives, compounded by fuel shortages and lack of funding, have left the transportation system in a state of disarray. Addressing this crisis will require significant investment and strategic planning, without which the situation is unlikely to improve.
