A resident of Havana has taken to TikTok to expose the dire state of transportation in Cuba. Her video, which has quickly gained traction online, paints a grim picture of the lack of mobility options and the exorbitant prices for the few services still available.
"Folks, there's no transportation, absolutely none. No cars, no tricycles, nothing. I haven't seen a single one," the young woman says, showing nearly deserted streets. She repeatedly emphasizes the "total void" and mentions spending a considerable amount of time walking and signaling, all to no avail.
According to her account, this is not an isolated incident. She shares that the day before, she had to walk back alone from the so-called Finca de los Monos due to the unavailability of any transportation.
The woman also voices her frustration over the high prices charged by the few remaining "almendrones" operating. She explains that gasoline is "scarce" and, when available, sold at steep prices, directly affecting fares.
"From Vedado to Centro Habana, I was charged 350 pesos," she states, a significant amount in a country where the average state salary is around 4,200 pesos monthly.
In her video, she further laments the challenges of emigrating. She shares that she was saving money to leave the country but notes that "there isn't even fuel for planes," and routes to places like Nicaragua, Guyana, and Haiti have been closed.
To those who might suggest buying a bicycle or a motorcycle, she responds that she lacks the necessary resources and fears theft. "The most I could afford is a bicycle, and it would get stolen," she remarks.
The transportation crisis in Cuba has worsened in recent years, exacerbated by fuel shortages, a lack of spare parts, and the deterioration of the vehicle fleet.
This situation directly affects the daily lives of citizens, who must walk long distances or pay increasingly higher fares to get around the city.
Understanding Cuba's Transportation Crisis
Why is transportation in Cuba so challenging?
Transportation issues in Cuba stem from severe fuel shortages, a scarcity of replacement parts, and the aging, deteriorating vehicle fleet. These factors have worsened the situation, limiting the availability of transport options.
How do transportation costs impact Cuban citizens?
High transportation costs significantly affect Cubans as they often have to pay substantial fares compared to their average state salary, making daily commuting a financial burden.
What alternatives do Cubans have for transportation?
With limited public transportation and high fares, many Cubans resort to walking long distances or, if affordable, using bicycles, despite the risk of theft and the lack of resources to purchase them.