Cuba public transport reaches historic lows amid fuel shortages

Cuba is experiencing a critical decline in its public transportation system, with Minister of Transport Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila reporting a nearly 90% reduction in urban, interurban, and short-distance public services.

The crisis follows a de facto blockade on fuel imports imposed by the United States in late January. While Washington states the sanctions aim to pressure a government it deems inefficient and corrupt, Cuba and the United Nations have characterized the measures as illegal and a violation of human rights.

The impact on infrastructure is severe: national bus departures have dropped from approximately 419 to an average of just 11 per day, and available routes have fallen from over 100 to 21. Rail services have also slowed significantly, with provincial train frequency decreasing from once every four days to once every 16 days.

In response to the shortage, citizens are increasingly relying on private transport, shared rides, and electric vehicles. Of the nearly 1 million registered vehicles in the country, approximately 150,000 are electric.