Two new stops have been added to the national train route from Santiago de Cuba to Havana, as announced by the Ministry of Transport authorities on the island. "Starting today, July 22, national passenger trains will make additional stops in new localities to facilitate passengers traveling to these destinations. This will allow them to board or disembark there without having to travel long distances, especially in a country facing severe transportation limitations," wrote Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila in a Facebook post.
The official specified that these stops will be in the Mella municipality in Santiago de Cuba and in the locality of Cacocum in Holguín. These additions will be made by train number 12, which originates in Santiago de Cuba and heads to Havana.
He also noted that the train, which typically departed at 3:05 p.m., will now leave at 3:10 p.m., with an expected arrival in Havana at 9:15 a.m. the next day.
New Itineraries Announced by Eastern Railways Company
Earlier this month, the Eastern Railways Company (EFO) announced the implementation of new itineraries in the region, coinciding with the summer season on the island. The new routes include Santiago-Manzanillo, Bayamo-Manzanillo, and Holguín-Antilla. Additionally, the reintroduction of the Guantánamo-Holguín route is under consideration, according to Yasnay Sánchez Robert, Operations Director of the regional entity, as reported by the state-run Granma newspaper.
Sánchez Robert also mentioned that state subsidies for ticket prices remain in effect, meaning there will be no price increase for tickets on these routes compared to the previous services. These new itineraries are expected to continue beyond July and August.
Despite these new additions, the transportation crisis in Cuba remains severe. Recently, it was revealed that in Santiago de Cuba, individuals are paying up to 1,500 pesos to get on an unofficial waiting list to travel. "We've been here for weeks trying to travel and haven't succeeded. There are about five unofficial lists run by people who have turned this into a business, and the needy public can't find a solution. They charge 1,500 pesos not to sign up, but to get on the infamous list," one affected person told independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
There have also been viral images showing travelers forced to push an old train. This happened a few weeks ago with a train traveling between the municipality of Sagua la Grande and Santa Clara in Villa Clara, a scene not uncommon in Cuba.
FAQs about Cuba's Train Transportation Issues
Given the ongoing transportation challenges in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more context and clarity on the situation.
What are the new stops on the Santiago de Cuba-Havana train route?
The new stops are in the Mella municipality in Santiago de Cuba and in the locality of Cacocum in Holguín.
Will there be an increase in ticket prices due to the new itineraries?
No, state subsidies will keep ticket prices the same as they were for the previous services.
What are the newly introduced train routes in Eastern Cuba?
The new routes include Santiago-Manzanillo, Bayamo-Manzanillo, and Holguín-Antilla. The Guantánamo-Holguín route is also being considered for reintroduction.