A microbus was targeted with rocks near the Frank País Hospital in Havana's La Lisa district after a traffic dispute involving a motorbike rider last Friday. The Transport Minister, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, expressed concern over the violence and damage to public property, noting, "Passenger safety was put at risk."
The incident unfolded on July 25 at 1:50 PM when a Fotón microbus on route 48, with license plate B 259845, was en route to its terminal at the hospital. The driver made a maneuver to switch to the right lane, which a motorbike rider perceived as a lane invasion, although no collision occurred. The driver apologized and continued driving.
Escalating Tensions Lead to Arrest
Upon arriving at the hospital and starting to pick up passengers, the motorbike rider returned, visibly upset, and threw a rock at the vehicle, shattering the rear windshield. She attempted to flee but was apprehended by two officers from the Technical Investigations Department and taken to the National Revolutionary Police station in La Lisa.
This incident involved a new vehicle, one of 50 recently added to Havana's urban transport system. Minister Rodríguez Dávila emphasized the significance of the attack, considering the effort taken to acquire these vehicles under challenging conditions. "This act deserves the strongest condemnation," he stated.
The Broader Impact of Vandalism
Jaime Morera Estévez, director of Taxis Cuba, described the event as "regrettable," highlighting that "a thrown rock breaks more than just a windshield," referring to the broader social and symbolic implications. Authorities urged collective reflection to prevent such incidents from recurring or becoming normalized. "These acts cannot be trivialized," the minister asserted, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, particularly when passenger safety and state resources are at stake.
Recently, Havana has witnessed a series of attacks targeting buses. In March and April of 2025, at least four buses, including those on routes P11, P23, and P7, experienced window damage from rock-throwing. Specifically, a P11 bus (unit 8475) was struck in Guanabo, damaging a side window. Another bus was attacked in Santos Suárez, necessitating a suspension of service. Earlier, in January 2025, students threw rocks at a P11 bus following a driver dispute, leading to at least one arrest.
Addressing the Growing Crisis
These acts of vandalism exacerbate Havana's public transport crisis, characterized by a limited fleet and shortages of parts and fuel. Each attack sidelines essential vehicles, extends wait times, and instills fear among passengers. Despite authorities' strong condemnations and promises to enhance security, these incidents continue to occur with alarming frequency.
The vandalism against public transport mirrors the social frustration amidst an economic downturn and the absence of effective solutions.
FAQs on Vandalism and Public Transport in Havana
What led to the rock-throwing incident in Havana?
The incident was triggered by a traffic dispute between a microbus driver and a motorbike rider, which escalated when the rider returned and hurled a rock at the microbus.
How are authorities responding to the vandalism against public transport?
Authorities have condemned these acts and pledged to increase security measures, although such incidents continue to occur frequently.
What impact do these attacks have on Havana's public transport system?
The attacks worsen the public transport crisis by removing essential vehicles from service, increasing wait times, and creating fear among passengers.