A bus journey from Santa Clara to Encrucijada in Villa Clara ended abruptly when the driver left numerous passengers stranded after collecting fares. The driver refused to continue the trip until every seat was occupied, as reported by a user on social media.
Yenelis Hernández shared her ordeal in the Facebook group Revolico Calabazar de Sagua. She described boarding the bus around 1 p.m. at Santa Clara’s terminal, having paid 750 pesos for the trip.
Initially, the bus departed the terminal without issue, but soon halted at a location known as "el punto de Malezas," a designated passenger pickup area. The vehicle remained stationary for nearly an hour and a half, with the driver offering no explanation.
It wasn’t until around 2 or 3 p.m. that the driver announced he would not continue the route "until the bus was full."
Faced with the passengers' unwillingness to wait indefinitely without assurance of departure, the driver chose to refund their money and leave them stranded there.
"He returned the fare and left everyone there, even though only eight more passengers were needed to fill the bus," Hernández wrote.
Hernández criticized the absence of such a condition being communicated prior to departure, which could have prevented people from wasting time waiting.
She noted that among the passengers were pregnant women, elderly individuals who had recently undergone surgery, and mothers with young children.
"No consideration was given to pregnant women, elderly women, or mothers with small children who were simply looking to return home," she lamented.
She also highlighted that the 750-peso fare represents a significant financial burden for many Cuban families. Those unable to secure a seat on these buses are forced to rely on private transporters, who charge between 1,700 and 2,000 pesos for the same journey.
"Most people can't afford that amount for travel, and those who do pay need to travel urgently," she stressed.
The post sparked hundreds of reactions and comments from users reporting similar experiences and criticizing the lack of oversight in intermunicipal transportation.
"No measures are taken, nothing happens; we were just treated like dogs," concluded Hernández, stating that although she typically refrains from public complaints, she considered the incident an abuse.
Promises Fall Short
This incident starkly contrasts with promises made by Jarys Hernández Simón, the director of the Provincial Transport Company of Villa Clara. On June 18, during the introduction of new Transmetro system fares, she assured that "all buses will travel from terminal to terminal" with "excellent" service, according to a report by the official CMHW radio station.
She also set the official fare for the Calabazar-Encrucijada-Santa Clara route at 850 pesos and vowed that prices would be monitored.
A Worsening Crisis
The situation highlights the ongoing decline of public transportation in Cuba, exacerbated by fuel shortages and a lack of vehicles.
Following the cessation of Venezuelan oil supplies at the end of 2025 and reduced shipments from Mexico earlier this year, the country is facing one of its most severe mobility crises in decades.
In June, the Ministry of Transportation announced an unprecedented reduction in national services: National Buses now operate only three weekly routes between Havana and provincial capitals, while national trains run just once every 16 days.
In Villa Clara, the crisis has led to the replacement of routes with animal-drawn carts and electric tricycles in municipalities like Encrucijada. Additionally, several private trucks servicing intermunicipal routes have ceased operations due to a lack of diesel.
Such incidents are not isolated. In May, passengers on a contracted bus between Havana and Santiago reported being overcharged and saw the luggage compartment used for goods transport instead of attending to travelers.
"This is nothing short of disrespect for the people... Haven't we suffered enough?" Hernández concluded in her complaint.
Understanding Cuba's Transportation Challenges
Why did the bus driver abandon the passengers?
The driver refused to continue the journey until all seats were filled, resulting in him abandoning the passengers after refunding their fares.
What are the typical fares for traveling in Cuba?
Public bus fares, like the one for the Santa Clara to Encrucijada route, are around 750 pesos. In contrast, private transporters charge between 1,700 and 2,000 pesos for the same journey.
How has the Cuban transportation crisis developed?
The transportation crisis has worsened due to a shortage of fuel and vehicles, following the end of Venezuelan oil supplies and reduced shipments from Mexico.