This past Wednesday, a bus from the Havana Provincial Transport Company was pelted with stones near the park of Fábrica, as reported by the company on social media. The targeted vehicle, marked with the number 5229, was en route on line 23 from the Lawton Terminal when the incident occurred, according to their statement.
The state-run company noted that, with the help of local residents and the Revolutionary National Police (PNR), several suspects were apprehended. "Such acts are deplorable and work against improving the quality of life for our people and our services, and we strongly condemn them," the institution declared in a statement.
So far, authorities have not disclosed the identities of those arrested, but photos released show the damage to the bus, particularly with shattered glass on the windows and doors. In the comments section, numerous online users expressed their disapproval of the attack, pointing out that such incidents worsen the already dire transportation situation in Havana, where the shortage of buses forces citizens to endure long waits at stops.
In recent months, various acts of violence and vandalism against buses have been recorded in Havana, highlighting the transport crisis and the rising insecurity in the Cuban capital. Back in February, an incident occurred where a bus driver on the P13 line was viciously assaulted at the Parque de La Fraternidad by two passengers, resulting in a head injury that required hospitalization. The PNR managed to arrest one of the attackers, but the route was temporarily halted, impacting thousands of users. The event was met with strong condemnation from sector workers and the public alike.
Similar occurrences have been reported recently. In January, a group of students threw stones at a bus on route P-11 after an argument with the driver. One individual was arrested after hurling a rock that hit the front of the vehicle, adding to a series of assaults on public transport in the capital.
This incident underscores the growing violence amid the transport crisis. However, the problem isn't new. Last October, a bus on route 174 was attacked on Mayía Rodríguez Street in the 10 de Octubre municipality, leaving one person injured. The assault led to the rear door of the bus being damaged, and a suspect was taken into custody at the Aguilera police station. While authorities have denounced these acts of vandalism against public transport, they continue to occur frequently.
These events reflect the increasing social tension and the deteriorating conditions of public transport in Havana, where citizens must endure long waits and, at times, violent situations that exacerbate their plight.
Understanding the Havana Public Transport Crisis
Why are bus attacks becoming more frequent in Havana?
The increase in bus attacks is tied to the broader crisis in public transportation in Havana, where a shortage of buses and deteriorating services have led to heightened frustration among the population.
What measures are being taken to address the violence against buses?
Authorities, including the Revolutionary National Police, are working to apprehend those responsible, but systemic issues within the transport sector remain unaddressed, leading to continued incidents.
How does the transport crisis affect everyday life in Havana?
The crisis forces citizens to wait for extended periods at bus stops, complicates daily commutes, and contributes to the overall stress and tension experienced by the population.