The National Bus Company (EON) wrapped up 2024 facing a significant operational decline, maintaining just 36% of the trips it managed in 2019. Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transport, acknowledged the sector's crisis on Facebook, despite boasting about the increased number of passengers, which reached 8,870,473, surpassing the 2023 figure by 1,729,655.
Nevertheless, this rise in passenger numbers doesn't signal a genuine improvement in service. Instead, it reflects the inclusion of rented buses and local routes, while the primary role of interprovincial transportation remains in a state of crisis. The minister pointed out that there are currently 150 daily departures under the National Program, a stark contrast to pre-pandemic times when the company provided much broader interprovincial mobility.
Challenges Facing National Bus Operations
The main challenges hindering EON's operations include a shortage of fuel, lack of lubricants, financial constraints, and a scarcity of spare parts, as detailed by the minister. The financial crisis has severely affected the company's ability to service loans and maintain its fleet in optimal condition, leading to a Technical Availability Coefficient of 50%, down 19% from 2023.
Of the 588 buses the company owns, 240 are out of service, and there were 1,453 breakdowns during the year—an increase of 553 from the previous year, Rodríguez reported. Punctuality has also taken a hit, with 8,813 delays recorded in 2024. This marks a decline in service efficiency compared to 2019, when punctuality exceeded 98% and delays numbered 4,079.
Infrastructure and Communication Issues
Infrastructure problems have further degraded service quality. Poor communication with passengers, especially concerning delays or cancellations, has led to frustration and misinformation among travelers who rely on interprovincial transport in a country with increasingly limited mobility options.
Despite the rise in passenger numbers, data indicates that National Buses remain in crisis. Route reductions, a lack of vehicle maintenance, and resource shortages have turned the service into a mere shadow of its 2019 self, as acknowledged by the minister.
Official Statements and Operational Adjustments
In February, Rodríguez dismissed rumors of a complete shutdown of transportation in Cuba, assuring the continued operation of interprovincial services despite the country's energy crisis. He emphasized that, while there have been operational challenges, no services have been canceled due to electricity generation deficits.
However, during the same month, the Viajero Reservation Services Company, in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, issued an official statement announcing a reduction in operations and apologizing for any inconvenience this might cause. They informed passengers nationwide that on Friday, February 14, service would only be available until noon to conserve energy. Nevertheless, ticket sales for March 16 and 17 continued.
Understanding Cuba's National Bus Service Crisis
What are the main reasons for the decline in National Bus operations?
The decline is primarily due to fuel shortages, financial limitations, a lack of lubricants, and a scarcity of spare parts, which have all severely impacted the company's ability to maintain its fleet.
How has passenger punctuality been affected?
Punctuality has suffered greatly, with 8,813 delays recorded in 2024 compared to just 4,079 in 2019, when punctuality rates were above 98%.
Has the increase in passengers improved the service?
No, the increase in passenger numbers is due to the inclusion of rented buses and local routes, not an actual improvement in interprovincial transport services.