The recent revival of two railway routes in Ciego de Ávila, including the Morón–Camagüey line priced at 1,500 pesos per ticket, has stirred a heated debate among Cubans about the actual cost of transportation within the country.
As per an announcement on the Facebook page of the Majagua Train Station, the Morón-Ciego de Ávila-Morón route began operation on September 23, offering four daily trips at 300 pesos from Morón to the provincial capital, with stops in Pina and Ceballos.
It was also announced that the Morón-Camagüey-Morón train would start running on Friday, with a one-way ticket costing 1,500 CUP.
That Friday, a video shared on Facebook by user Rey Dry Belen Chamorro captured the train passing through Ciego de Ávila.
The announcements drew hundreds of comments, many of which focused on the high ticket prices. Some described the fare as "exorbitant," questioning how a salaried worker, retiree, or pensioner could afford such expenses.
"Is it a ticket to Ciego or a flight to Paris?" quipped one user, while another remarked that the price is too steep for a wage earner.
Concerns Over Train Conditions
The discussions also touched on the condition of the train cars and the quality of service provided. Many users inquired whether the carriages would be in decent condition, with intact seats and cleanliness, while others claimed the cars were in "terrible" shape despite charging fares that implied a higher-quality service.
Complaints were also raised about the schedule information after Majagua Train Station announced one of the afternoon trips would not operate due to "misinformation."
Impact on Frequent Travelers
Other users highlighted the impact of the fare on those who need to use the train frequently. One commenter pointed out that some individuals rely on this route to commute daily to their workplaces, questioning whether they could continue to afford 300 CUP per journey.
Students and pensioners were also mentioned, while some users welcomed the return of the service given the steep costs of private transport.
The restoration of these routes follows months of significant restrictions on rail and road transport in the province. In March, all seven train routes in Ciego de Ávila were halted due to fuel shortages, with only two out of 135 state-run bus routes remaining operational.
Since June 18, the Ministry of Transport reduced train services to eastern Cuba to one departure every 16 days and national bus services to three weekly frequencies, resulting in a 74% drop in monthly operations.
However, in August, the Ministry admitted that even these minimal frequencies could not always be guaranteed due to diesel shortages.
The Ministry explained that train schedules were affected because the necessary fuel for services was not consistently available.
FAQs on Train Fare and Services in Cuba
Why is the train fare from Morón to Camagüey considered high?
The fare of 1,500 pesos is seen as excessive by many, especially considering the average income of salaried workers, retirees, and pensioners in Cuba.
What concerns do passengers have about the train service?
Passengers are worried about the condition of the train cars, questioning whether they are clean and well-maintained, as well as the accuracy of the schedule information provided.
How have transportation services in Ciego de Ávila been affected recently?
Transportation services have faced severe cuts due to fuel shortages, with significant reductions in both train and bus operations throughout the province.