The Cuban Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, has unveiled a new state-run enterprise aimed at improving mobility for the healthcare sector, despite the severe fuel crisis that has nearly immobilized public transportation across the island.
Rodríguez Dávila shared on Facebook that TRANSMED began operations on Monday. This company has been established to "facilitate mobility within the health sector" through collaboration between the Ministries of Public Health and Transportation, as well as provincial authorities.
While acknowledging the "serious limitations" facing the general public transportation system, exacerbated by the fuel scarcity, Rodríguez Dávila emphasized the importance of prioritizing healthcare due to its crucial impact on the Cuban populace.
The newly launched enterprise will facilitate the transportation of healthcare personnel via predetermined routes connecting hospitals in Havana. It will also handle other passenger and cargo transport services related to the healthcare system, including assisting patients undergoing specialized treatments.
TRANSMED starts with a fleet of 25 fossil fuel-powered buses, each accommodating 28 passengers, and nine electric minibuses with 13 seats each.
Rodríguez Dávila admitted that the initiative "will not initially meet the full demand of this vital sector" and acknowledged "the partial vulnerability due to fuel supply issues."
During positioning and return trips, buses can pick up passengers for 20 Cuban pesos (CUP) per person, a subsidized fare covered by Havana's government health budget for the main service.
The project represents a total investment of over five million dollars, funded by the Public Transportation Development Fund managed by the Ministry of Transportation.
Furthermore, 15 minibuses and 34 electric vans will be distributed across other provinces, operated by provincial companies. The government claims that charging stations powered by solar panels are being installed to avoid adding strain on the national energy system.
This announcement comes at a time when thousands of Cubans endure long waits, canceled routes, and fuel shortages affecting nearly all state services.
While public transportation remains severely compromised for the general population, the government has chosen to allocate resources to a strategic sector, though acknowledging the new enterprise's reliance on an unstable fuel supply.
Understanding Cuba's Transportation Crisis
What is TRANSMED's primary function?
TRANSMED is designed to improve transportation mobility for healthcare personnel and services in Cuba, especially in Havana. It facilitates connections between hospitals and assists with patient transport for specialized treatments.
How is Cuba addressing the fuel shortage in relation to TRANSMED?
The Cuban government is installing solar-powered charging stations to support TRANSMED's electric vehicles, aiming to reduce dependence on the national energy grid and mitigate the impact of the fuel shortage.