Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac recently expressed shock over the escalating transportation costs between Miramar and El Vedado in Havana, stating he was charged 600 pesos for a trip that cost only 200 pesos just days earlier.
In a concise message shared on social media, he encapsulated his disbelief with a blunt remark: “Asere, I just got hit with a 600 peso fare from Miramar to Vedado. Just a few days ago, it was 200.”
This post highlights a direct complaint about the skyrocketing transportation prices in Havana, emphasizing the rapid increase over a short period.
Toirac's words indicate that the fare for this route has tripled within a matter of days, rising from 200 to 600 pesos.
The actor and comedian added a touch of irony with his comment: “Must be the war with Iran. That must be it.”
Through this sarcastic remark, he implied that external factors or international circumstances are being used as a justification for the price hikes, though he did not provide further details about the context of his journey, the type of transportation used, or who charged him that amount.
Toirac's statement sheds light on the significant impact that rising transportation costs have on Havana's residents, as they deal with the increasing expenses of such a fundamental service.
His grievance is not isolated, nor is the crisis limited to Havana. Days earlier, two Cuban women took to social media to report the severe transportation crisis affecting the eastern part of the country, stating that “even with money, there is no transportation” to travel between localities.
The women recounted waiting over four hours for any vehicle to take them from the highway to Bayamo, without seeing any available transport.
They also warned others to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary due to the lack of transportation and the exorbitant fares being charged.
According to their account, those needing to travel must be mentally prepared and have enough cash on hand, as even with fares as high as 20,000 pesos, finding available transportation remains a challenge.
These testimonies highlight a growing reality across many regions of the country, where fuel shortages, deteriorating roads, and a lack of vehicles have exacerbated the public and private transportation crisis.
In recent months, numerous Cubans have reported long waits at roadsides and terminals, as well as increased fares amidst the island's deepening economic crisis.
Transportation Crisis in Cuba: Key Questions Answered
Why are transportation costs rising in Havana?
The rise in transportation costs is attributed to several factors, including fuel shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and economic challenges impacting Cuba.
How are residents coping with the transportation crisis?
Residents are facing long wait times and high fares, often requiring them to prepare mentally and financially for travel, which remains difficult even with available funds.