Known for his online presence, Cuban influencer Lino García, who goes by El Creador Cubano, shared a compelling video on Instagram. In it, he approaches a bus stop in Havana, inviting three strangers to hop into his car for a free ride. This act comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with a severe transportation crisis.
García sheds light on the daily struggles faced by Cubans: "Daytime fares are a thousand pesos, but at night they spike to fifteen hundred. For regular Cubans, catching a ride is nearly impossible. No human can endure this," he comments.
Additionally, García hands over two thousand Cuban pesos to an individual in need, who reveals their struggle to afford food. "What do you need, my friend? Some money. Here, this is more—two thousand pesos. That should be enough for a meal," García states in the video.
One of his passengers expresses amazement at his generosity: "No one does this. It's unheard of for someone to use their tourist vehicle for such trips."
In his post's description, García notes, "Helping my fellow Cubans—70% of my time in Cuba was spent doing this, with the rest dedicated to my family."
The Dire State of Public Transport in Cuba
The backdrop to García's video is an unprecedented breakdown in Cuba's public transportation system. From January to September 2025, state-run passenger services plummeted by 93%, with routes canceled due to fuel shortages.
In Havana, private ride providers, known as boteros, serve as a rare alternative for millions. However, informal market gasoline prices soar to 4,000 Cuban pesos per liter, forcing fares to exceed official limits significantly.
In response, the government imposed fines of up to 24,000 pesos on transport operators in March, further reducing available options.
Economic Strain on Cuban Families
The average monthly salary in Cuba hovers between 4,000 and 5,000 pesos, making a 1,500-peso night ride a crippling expense for most families.
A recent post highlighted the exorbitant cost of transportation in Havana, demonstrating its increasing unattainability.
García's action is part of a growing trend among Cuban influencers abroad, who document their acts of solidarity during visits to the island.
FAQs on Cuba's Transportation Crisis
What is causing the transportation crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily due to a severe shortage of fuel, which has led to a 93% drop in state-run passenger services and has disrupted available routes.
How are Cubans coping with high transportation costs?
Many rely on private ride services, though costs are skyrocketing due to high gasoline prices in the informal market, making it difficult for average families to afford transportation.