Amid soaring inflation and the ongoing public transportation crisis on the island, the Cuban regime announced that starting August 15, the cost of electric tricycle services in the capital will rise to 10.00 CUP per passenger. This decision, communicated by the General Directorate of Transportation of Havana (DGTH), marks a significant increase from the initial price of 4.00 CUP set when the service began in 2020.
The new fare aims to align Havana's rates with those of other provinces in the country, where the fare was already 10.00 CUP, according to a note published in the state-run newspaper Granma. According to the DGTH, the current cost in Havana does not cover the operational expenses of the service, making its maintenance unsustainable.
Authorities claim that this adjustment—more than double the initial fare—is necessary to cover the costs associated with the repair, maintenance, and leasing of the tricycles, as well as to comply with the taxes imposed on self-employed workers operating these vehicles.
Since its implementation in 2020, the electric tricycle service has expanded to include 118 units in Havana, operating on 15 routes across eight municipalities: Boyeros, Playa, Marianao, Centro Habana, Habana Vieja, Cerro, Plaza, and Guanabacoa. In other provinces, these tricycles also assist in passenger transportation amid the severe fuel crisis in the country.
Earlier this year, the regime increased the price of some transportation modes on the island, a highly unpopular measure that caused significant discontent among the population.
FAQs on the Increase in Electric Tricycle Fares in Havana
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the recent fare increase for electric tricycles in Havana.
Why did the government increase the fares for electric tricycles?
The government increased the fares to cover the operational costs, including repair, maintenance, and leasing of the tricycles, which were not being met by the previous fare.
What was the previous fare for electric tricycles in Havana?
The previous fare for electric tricycles in Havana was 4.00 CUP per passenger.
How many electric tricycles are currently operating in Havana?
As of now, there are 118 electric tricycles operating on 15 routes across eight municipalities in Havana.