"Everyone loves me," states Norberto Toledo Crespo with a calm smile, a reflection of someone who has earned affection through his deeds. For 51 years, he has navigated the roads of Cuba as a taxi driver, with no intention of stopping anytime soon.
Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transport, shared Norberto's story on social media, highlighting his journey that began in Holguín during his military service, where he completed a driver-mechanic course. A pivotal opportunity arose when he attended the taxi school in San Diego de los Baños, located in Pinar del Río. "I've been a taxi driver ever since," Norberto declares confidently, continuing to work for the Viñales Taxi Agency to this day.
Despite the years' wear and the country's challenges, Norberto approaches each workday with the same philosophy he's always had: treat everyone well. "As a taxi driver, you have to get along with the people so that everyone loves you," he asserts. When a customer enters his taxi feeling upset or dissatisfied, Norberto knows how to handle it: "I ease them in. They come in angry, but after a short while, they feel like family."
Beyond the steering wheel, Norberto has been a helping hand, frequently transporting the sick to hospitals free of charge, a rare act of kindness in Cuba, where the economic crisis, exacerbated by the regime, makes such gestures uncommon. "Even if there are 15 other taxis, it's me who takes them. I even give them my number in case they need a return trip," he shares.
For years, he donated his tips to the pediatric hospital in Viñales through his agency's union: "Whatever tips I received, I donated to the children's hospital." His taxi has traversed the entire country, but what stays with him the most is stopping on the roadside to help an elderly person or assist at an accident scene: "Those moments stay with me forever."
In 2014, the regime recognized him as a Hero of Labor, but he admits that these "recognitions" don't hold much importance to him. More valuable than accolades is his family's support: "I've always had the backing of my wife and children." This support motivates him to keep moving forward: "I want to keep driving, and everyone can be sure of that."
Norberto acknowledges that times have changed: "People are agitated, upset, with bad tempers… but that doesn't give us the right to offend them or anything like that." Even though his vehicle has clocked over 830,000 kilometers and has been in service for more than a decade, he takes it upon himself to maintain and repair it with his own hands. "It's not easy. Cars need updates and better conditions. The service I provide now isn't like it used to be," he concedes.
A similar story belongs to Ricardo Palmero Rodríguez, a 68-year-old man who has spent nearly four decades behind the wheel, dedicated to serving those in need: hemodialysis patients in Sancti Spíritus. His story, recently highlighted by the Minister of Transport, needs no official embellishments to touch hearts. It stands on its own.
In the midst of the current transportation crisis affecting Cubans and the grim reality in the country's hospitals, Ricardo strives to offer some solace to the patients he transports daily.
Insights on Cuban Taxi Drivers and Their Impact
What motivates Norberto Toledo Crespo to continue driving?
Norberto is driven by the support of his family and his love for helping people. He finds satisfaction in being a positive presence in the lives of his passengers and community.
How has Norberto contributed to the community beyond his taxi service?
He has offered free rides to the sick needing hospital care and donated his tips to a pediatric hospital, showcasing his commitment to helping others despite economic challenges.
What challenges do taxi drivers like Norberto face in Cuba today?
Drivers face economic hardships, vehicle maintenance issues, and a changing societal temperament, all of which are exacerbated by the ongoing regime-induced crisis.