A private driver in Matanzas made headlines when he picked up passengers waiting at the Viaducto stop on Friday night and transported them to Peñas Altas without charging a single cent. This generous act quickly went viral on social media, touching the hearts of Cubans both on the island and abroad.
Yadiel Hernández Hernández shared the heartwarming event on Facebook, writing, "Tonight, around 8 pm, the owner of the vehicle seen in the photo picked up everyone waiting at the viaduct, including myself and a pregnant woman pictured here. When we reached Peñas Altas and tried to pay, he refused money from me, the pregnant woman, her companion, and two other passengers who had been with him since before the viaduct."
Though Hernández couldn't capture a close-up photo of the driver or learn his name, he publicly expressed his gratitude: "I couldn't get a closer picture, nor do I know the driver's name, but in the midst of the crisis we are living—where everyone is focused on themselves—acts like these restore some faith in the everyday Cuban."
Community Praises Acts of Kindness
Another user commented on a similar experience that day: "Yesterday, an electric white mototaxi also picked up eight people for free from the Viaducto to Peñas Altas around 11:30 am. We continue to have faith in human kindness."
A woman confirmed she knew the driver personally, adding, "He's a friend of mine. I wash his car, and he's a really good person. Blessings to him."
One commenter highlighted the significance of such acts, especially given the current circumstances: "He deserves all the respect from our community for helping out when fuel is so expensive."
The Larger Context of Matanzas' Transportation Crisis
This episode takes place against the backdrop of a near-total transportation collapse in Matanzas. As of September 2025, only 63 out of 129 provincial buses were operational, representing just 48.8% of the fleet. By February 2026, interprovincial service was almost entirely halted, with only one daily departure on the Havana-Matanzas route.
Just days earlier, on June 7, authorities had threatened to revoke licenses from state drivers who failed to pick up passengers at designated stops, as part of the "solidarity transport" scheme instituted in March 2022.
The stark contrast between the coercive measures imposed on official drivers and the spontaneous generosity of private individuals underscores the backdrop of these commendable actions.
Hernández's post garnered numerous comments from Cubans both on the island and abroad, including a message from Rome. He concluded his account with a plea: "Share this to show that genuine Cubans still exist in this country."
Such acts of kindness are not unprecedented in Matanzas. In January 2025, twin brothers César and Yohán Vidal, both medical students, gained recognition for offering free rides to the elderly on Contreras Street in a city where mobility issues have long plagued schools, workers, and entire families.
Understanding the Transportation Challenges in Matanzas
What is the current state of public transportation in Matanzas?
As of September 2025, Matanzas faced a severe transportation crisis with only 48.8% of its provincial buses operational. By February 2026, interprovincial services were nearly halted, with just one daily route from Havana to Matanzas.
How did authorities respond to the transportation issues?
Authorities threatened to revoke licenses from state drivers who did not pick up passengers at designated stops, as part of the "solidarity transport" initiative starting in March 2022.
Are private acts of generosity common in Matanzas?
Yes, acts of kindness like offering free rides have been noted before, such as when twin medical students César and Yohán Vidal provided free transportation to the elderly in January 2025.