Images of a bus parking lot in Santiago de Cuba are circulating on social media, showing most of the vehicles in severe disrepair. This has caused significant outrage among netizens who are questioning the regime's management of public transportation.
The Facebook profile "Rodando Por Cuba" shared a gallery of images of the bus graveyard, which has generated numerous comments. Most people agree that the government's poor management is to blame and suggest that the fate of the buses would be very different if handled by the private sector.
Freddy Jiménez Méndez commented, "This only happens in Cuba, in a Socialist State Enterprise where no official, manager, or leader, whatever you want to call them, takes responsibility for these vehicles." He stressed that the regime should lease them to private individuals, "who would put them in good condition to work."
"Put the self-employed in charge and you'll see how they get all those buses running," noted Tania Salazar. However, the regime is waging a campaign against this form of management in public transportation.
Yordis Cruz Lores expressed a similar opinion: "There is only one solution, lease them to drivers who can bring these excellent buses back to life, or sell them to a Mypime, without obstacles or bureaucracy." He added that this would help alleviate one of the current societal problems: transportation.
Government Criticized Amid Transport Crisis
In the context of the transportation crisis, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz recently expressed his frustration during a visit to the municipality of Antilla in Holguín. In front of state transport workers, he again criticized those who perform this job in the private sector.
Marrero Cruz scolded the transport workers in Antilla after the buses for public transportation were stationary due to a lack of fuel, while private transport trucks were operational. The Prime Minister acknowledged that if the buses were handed over to private operators tomorrow, they would likely not be idle.
Issues and Solutions in Cuban Public Transportation
The following questions and answers provide more insight into the issues surrounding public transportation in Cuba and potential solutions.
Why are the buses in Santiago de Cuba in such poor condition?
The buses are in poor condition due to the mismanagement by the Socialist State Enterprise, where no official takes responsibility for their maintenance.
What solutions are being proposed by the public?
Many suggest leasing the buses to private individuals or small businesses, who would be incentivized to maintain and operate them efficiently.
What stance is the Cuban government taking regarding private management of transportation?
The Cuban government is currently against private management of public transportation, as indicated by the Prime Minister's criticism during his visit to Antilla.