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Cienfuegos Government Reclaims 42 Buses from Private Operators, Reintegrates Them into State Transport

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 by Grace Ramos

Cienfuegos Government Reclaims 42 Buses from Private Operators, Reintegrates Them into State Transport
Transportation in Cienfuegos (Reference Image) - Image © Periódico 5 de Septiembre

The authorities in Cienfuegos have reclaimed 42 buses previously leased to private operators, reintegrating them into the state-run transport system as part of efforts to reorganize the chaotic urban and rural mobility landscape in the province. These vehicles, which had been out of regular service for nearly a year, were gradually returned over a three-week period, as reported by the state-run newspaper 5 de Septiembre.

Local officials justified the move by stating that the buses were not providing the expected services. However, details regarding contract breaches by the lessees or other potential causes, such as fuel shortages or accumulated technical issues, were not disclosed.

Reintegration and Route Adjustments

According to Orlando Valdés, the director of the Passenger Transport Basic Unit, 21 of the reclaimed buses have been refurbished and placed back into service on state routes, predominantly in the city and some municipalities. A new team of drivers was hired, and routes were reorganized to cover areas that had been without service for months.

In the capital of Cienfuegos, routes such as 1, 3, 5, 200, and 207 have been reactivated, with plans to revive others like route 6. Valdés mentioned that some routes will see an increase in the number of buses to meet demand. The fare remains at one peso per passenger, though complaints persist regarding service frequency and availability.

Rural and Additional Routes

In municipalities including Palmira, Aguada de Pasajeros, and Abreus, rural routes that had been halted for months, such as those to Ciego Montero, Las Cajas, or Juraguá, have been restored and will operate on alternating days. Additionally, a new route between Cienfuegos and La Milpa has been introduced, featuring a boat connection from the Pasacaballo pier. The final trip for this route will now extend until 10:30 p.m., addressing public demand.

A Broader Context of Transport Challenges

While the official media presents this initiative as "a joy for the people," the reality is that it marks a recentralization of the transport system and a shift away from the previously promoted model of leasing state assets to private operators. This represents yet another short-term measure by the regime to address the public transport crisis, reflecting the problem's magnitude rather than offering a genuine solution.

Among other attempts to alleviate the transport issues is the revival of the train service to Expocuba, a route abandoned years ago due to maintenance neglect, now being touted as a cost-effective alternative. This comes with promises of railway infrastructure improvements, despite destinations like Parque Lenin remaining dilapidated.

Aviation and Vehicle Repair Challenges

Simultaneously, Cubans face significant constraints in national air travel connectivity. New flight schedules imposed by Cubana de Aviación on the Havana-Camagüey route have drawn widespread criticism for their impracticality, especially in a nation where nighttime ground transportation is nearly nonexistent. With just two operational aircraft, the company has also limited baggage allowances and altered flight frequencies, directly impacting those reliant on these flights for domestic travel.

Moreover, the government has announced a donation from China of components to repair 100 buses in Havana. Despite being touted as a sector relief, these repairs demand technical efforts akin to manufacturing new vehicles, and only a small fraction will be ready for service by year-end. Over 300 buses remain out of service in the capital due to a lack of parts and resources, highlighting that the donation is merely a temporary fix for a deep-seated crisis.

Key Questions About Cienfuegos Transportation Changes

Why did Cienfuegos authorities reclaim buses from private operators?

The authorities reclaimed the buses to reorganize and improve the chaotic state of urban and rural transportation, as the private operators were reportedly not providing the expected services.

What changes have been made to bus routes in Cienfuegos?

Several routes in the capital, such as 1, 3, 5, 200, and 207, have been reactivated, with plans to revive more. Rural routes in other municipalities have also been restored, and a new route between Cienfuegos and La Milpa has been added.

How is the transport situation in Cuba affecting air travel?

Cubana de Aviación's new schedules and reduced operational capacity have led to criticism and challenges for those relying on air travel, due to impractical timings and limited transportation alternatives at night.

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