In a move that has sparked both anticipation and skepticism, Havana's Provincial Transportation Company has announced that starting Monday, June 16, two new electric bus routes will commence operations in Alamar, a densely populated area east of the Cuban capital. The buses, operated by the microenterprise MIPYME MECANIK11, will depart from a location known as Micro X, heading to two destinations: the Naval Hospital and La Virgen del Camino.
Within Alamar, the buses will make multiple stops, with fares set at 50 CUP for local journeys. Once the buses leave Alamar, fares increase, with trips to the Pan-American Village and Naval Hospital costing 150 CUP, while rides to La Virgen del Camino will be priced at 200 CUP. According to the official announcement, the service will be available from 6:00 am until nightfall.
The buses will feature a digital payment system using a QR code, requiring passengers to notify the driver's number to confirm payment. Users must include the word "BUS" in the description and specify the fare for their journey. This service introduction comes at a challenging time for the nation, which is facing a severe energy crisis.
In recent months, several provinces have experienced blackouts lasting over 20 hours—though Havana has been somewhat less affected—raising doubts among residents about the feasibility of operating electric buses under these conditions. Public transportation across the country remains in disarray, characterized by long wait times, a shortage of vehicles, and a system unable to meet user demand.
While these new routes may provide some relief for residents, the initiative raises significant questions about its sustainability in a context where electricity supply is unpredictable and technical resources are scarce. Meanwhile, the capital's Transportation Company has not disclosed how they plan to ensure the charging and maintenance of these electric buses or what measures will be taken in the event of prolonged power outages, which are currently plaguing the country.
For many, this could be a step towards modernizing transportation, but the disconnect between the announcement and the actual conditions raises doubts that have yet to be addressed.
FAQs on Havana's New Electric Bus Routes
When will the new electric bus routes in Alamar begin operating?
The new electric bus routes in Alamar are scheduled to start operating on Monday, June 16.
What are the fare prices for the new bus routes?
Fares for local trips within Alamar are set at 50 CUP, while routes to the Pan-American Village and Naval Hospital will cost 150 CUP, and trips to La Virgen del Camino are priced at 200 CUP.
How will passengers pay for their bus fare?
Passengers will use a digital payment system via a QR code. They must notify the driver's number to validate the payment and include the word "BUS" along with the fare amount in the description.