This week, for the first time since November 2022, two Regla Ferries are simultaneously navigating the Bay of Havana. The announcement was made on social media by the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, who noted that "during peak hours in the morning and afternoon, both ferries will be operational, improving the service."
"This does not mean we have the adequate conditions to offer a stable and high-quality service," the minister cautioned, although he accompanied his post with beautiful images of the ferries gliding through the bay's waters.
This is the second piece of good news recently for this popular Havana transportation method, essential for thousands of residents in that part of the capital. On May 25, the minister announced that the ferry service, which had been suspended on May 20 due to the propeller of the only operational vessel at that time falling into the sea, had been resumed.
On that occasion, the Transportation Minister stated that the ferry that enabled the resumption of service was not the IV Congreso but La Giraldilla, which had undergone major repairs and was supposed to be ready before April 30.
The minister also detailed that the IV Congreso—the ferry that lost its propeller—was to rejoin the service soon, and indeed it has, at least for now. In the comments section, Rodríguez Dávila, undoubtedly one of the most popular and empathetic ministers due to his level of dialogue with the public, received wishes for the main hope: that the ferries last.
The Ups and Downs of the Regla Ferry Service
In February, Rodríguez Dávila reported that only one of the six Regla Ferries was operational due to "technical problems" with the other five and anticipated the expected evolution of the service in the coming months.
The minister stated that three new engines and an additional repair kit, along with other resources, were expected to arrive by the end of March to accelerate the repair of the grounded vessels, something that evidently has not happened.
He also mentioned that a second vessel was expected to be operational by the end of April, another in the second half of the year, and two more by early 2025, pending coordination with the shipyards.
The Transportation Minister also noted that an auxiliary vessel would be put into service, which would allow nighttime trips to resume, although he did not specify when.
Additionally, the high-ranking official added that alternatives were being sought through international collaboration to acquire additional vessels.
The popular Regla Ferry route, which connects three points in the bay: the Emboque de Regla, the Muelle de Luz, and Casablanca, was restored in mid-November following the reconstruction of the access walkway to the vessel, whose deterioration had forced a service interruption on September 22.
With a capacity of about 100 passengers, the Regla Ferry completes its route between Regla and the Muelle de Luz in about seven minutes.
The popular maritime route—which provides relief for those needing to travel between Regla and Old Havana—was also interrupted for part of the summer of 2023 after the vessel underwent repairs due to an "issue with the bushing of the engine shaft line."
After resuming service, it was only for a short period. In September, capital authorities once again announced the suspension of trips to replace the old walkway with a new one. The decision to repair the dock was made after numerous complaints about the poor condition of the access bridge, which endangered the safety of travelers boarding the ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Regla Ferry Service in Havana
To provide more clarity about the Regla Ferry service in Havana, we've compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why were the Regla Ferries out of service?
The Regla Ferries were out of service due to various technical problems, including the propeller of one vessel falling into the sea and the deterioration of the access walkway.
How many Regla Ferries are currently operational?
As of now, two Regla Ferries are operational, serving the Bay of Havana during peak hours in the morning and afternoon.
What measures are being taken to improve the Regla Ferry service?
The Ministry of Transportation is working on acquiring new engines, repairing grounded vessels, and seeking international collaboration to obtain additional ferries.