In response to the dire transportation situation in Matanzas, local authorities have decided to revive the "solidarity transport" program. This initiative mandates that drivers of state and corporate vehicles assist citizens with mobility during peak hours. Announced during the Provincial Directorate of Transportation's Work Balance meeting on February 1st, the measure aims to ease the high demand and improve accessibility on key routes, becoming effective on Monday, February 24th.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, Party Bureau member Norma Llerena, and government coordinator Anisley Fuentes Crespo. They discussed strategies to optimize transportation in the province. According to the state-run Periódico Girón, public entities will contribute resources and vehicles to ensure mobility within the most affected urban corridors.
The "solidarity transport" initiative, initially launched in 2023, faced challenges due to poor coordination and oversight, as noted by officials. Nevertheless, they assured that this new phase will strengthen supervisory mechanisms to ensure smooth operation and prevent irregularities. Citizens can report complaints and suggestions through the phone numbers 45 261593 and 52809331.
Matanzas is grappling with a severe mobility crisis caused by an aging transport fleet and insufficient units to meet demand. Key routes like the Vía Blanca are expected to benefit from this measure, which aims to alleviate the sector's difficulties, according to the program's administrators.
Solidarity Transport Routes and Scheduling
The program will operate based on a weekly schedule, with different entities taking responsibility for transporting passengers on specific routes. Below are some of the established routes:
1. Parque de Peñas Altas - Hospital Provincial Comandante Faustino Pérez
- Monday: Trasmetro Matanzas, Provincial Directorate of Transportation, and Varadero International Airport.
- Tuesday: Planta Granma.
- Wednesday: TaxisCuba Matanzas.
- Thursday: EMPA.
- Friday: Provincial Health.
2. Parque La Estrella (Plaza del Mercado) - Stop at Reparto Armando Mestre (El Naranjal)
- Monday: Provincial Transport Company.
- Tuesday: ECOMAVI (Road Company).
- Wednesday: MCV (Mercedes Benz).
- Thursday: Water and Sewerage Company.
- Friday: RadioCuba.
3. Plaza de la Catedral - Maternal Hospital (Versalles)
- Monday: Camping and Culture.
- Tuesday: CUPET Commercializer and Provincial Pharmacy and Optics Company.
- Wednesday: Provincial Justice Directorate.
- Thursday: EMBER and Economy and Planning.
- Friday: EDESCON.
4. Ganadera - Goicuría School Center (Versalles)
- Monday: EMCOMED.
- Tuesday: Rayonitro.
- Wednesday: Port.
- Thursday: EMSERPEP.
- Friday: EMPAI.
5. Preuniversitario José Luis Dubroq - Hospital Provincial Comandante Faustino Pérez
- Monday: Popular Power Construction Company.
- Tuesday: Fishing Company.
- Wednesday: Commerce Business Group.
- Thursday: Gardis Business Group.
- Friday: Provincial Housing Directorate.
The program also includes additional routes such as the Provincial Bus Terminal to Parque Peñas Altas, Parque de la Catedral to Parque de Peñas Altas, the University of Matanzas, and other key connections within the city.
The Ongoing Public Transport Crisis in Cuba
Cuba's transportation crisis has been a persistent issue, severely impacting the mobility of its citizens. In July 2024, the government acknowledged that over half of provincial routes were inactive, with a 52% downtime in transport companies, and operational routes limited to one trip in the morning and another in the afternoon.
The situation worsened due to the country's energy crisis. By February 2025, national transport services were halted due to electricity shortages, affecting 56% of demand and causing blackouts and fuel scarcity. Although Rodríguez Dávila denied rumors of a complete shutdown of interprovincial transport, he admitted that services were operating under constraints and delays due to technical and logistical issues.
In Havana, the scenario is similarly challenging. The capital has faced numerous obstacles in its public transport system, including the breakdown of the sole ferry servicing the route between the city and Regla municipality, stranding hundreds of passengers without this crucial transport link. Furthermore, the introduction of electric tricycles as an alternative has been limited, as these lightweight vehicles do not operate during peak hours due to battery capacity restrictions.
Understanding the Transportation Challenges in Cuba
What is the "solidarity transport" program in Matanzas?
The "solidarity transport" program in Matanzas is an initiative that requires state and corporate vehicle drivers to assist in public transportation during peak hours to ease mobility issues.
Why is there a transportation crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's transportation crisis is primarily due to an aging fleet, insufficient transport units, and energy shortages, which have severely impacted the availability and reliability of public transport.
How are authorities addressing the transport issues in Havana?
Authorities in Havana are facing significant challenges in addressing transport issues, such as the breakdown of key ferry services and limited introduction of alternative transport options like electric tricycles.