New Bus Route Sparks Debate Over Transportation Costs in Matanzas

A trial run of new bus routes in Matanzas is underway, aiming to connect various city points to Faustino Pérez Hospital and the University of Matanzas. While this initiative has piqued the interest of both students and workers, it has also raised many questions regarding the daily cost of using these services.

Journalist Yuni Moliner shared details on Facebook, citing information from the channel LCD Viajes, about three trial routes linking Canímar, Peñas Altas, Versalles, the provincial hospital, and the university.

One of the routes begins in Versalles at 7:30 a.m., passing the Viaducto at 7:35, the Terminal at 7:40, and Peñas Altas at 7:50, arriving at the University of Matanzas by approximately 8:00 a.m. According to reports, this initial test "ran smoothly," suggesting that the schedule could be maintained.

The Canímar route faced more challenges. Although the bus departed at 7:00 a.m., delays at Faustino Pérez Hospital caused frustrations, particularly for professors needing to reach the university on time. As a result, LCD Viajes plans to adjust this route. The revised schedule includes a 7:00 a.m. departure from Canímar, passing through Tirry, reaching René Fraga between 7:30 and 7:40 a.m., and continuing to the Viaducto and Terminal before arriving at the university around 8:30 a.m.

Challenges and Adjustments in Public Transport

The return journey from the university to the pre-university is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Meanwhile, a third route between Peñas Altas and Faustino Pérez Hospital operated without issues during the test, departing at 7:00 a.m. and returning from the hospital at 1:30 p.m.

This new transport option quickly sparked numerous questions in the comments, particularly about fare costs and potential discounts for students. One user proposed selling tickets via transfer for "200 pesos or whatever the price may be," prompting another to reply that "200 is unaffordable for most if they have to take the bus daily." However, this conversation does not confirm 200 pesos as the set fare by LCD Viajes.

Another user inquired about a situation where someone allegedly paid 200 pesos from the Gelpis junction to Peñas Altas. Moliner promptly clarified that the bus in question does not belong to the Mipyme LCD, meaning that fare cannot be attributed to the newly announced routes. Other participants directly asked, "What is the price?" and requested segment fares, questioning whether students would pay the same as other passengers.

Transportation Costs: A Growing Concern

The concerns are significant in a province where transportation costs already impose a heavy burden on workers. A tricycle ride to Peñas Altas currently costs 250 pesos, exceeding the average daily wage of a Matanzas worker, estimated at about 236 pesos.

These new options have emerged following months of severe restrictions. In February, authorities acknowledged that Matanzas had nearly lost all urban and intermunicipal routes due to fuel shortages, with only a few services operating sporadically.

Furthermore, LCD Viajes is already involved in other segments of provincial transport. In July, they launched a route between Matanzas and Havana for 3,000 pesos per trip, a fare that drew significant criticism for consuming a substantial portion of many Cubans' monthly income.