A public transport bus in Havana was pelted with stones on Friday, marking the second such attack in less than 24 hours, highlighting a concerning rise in these types of vandalism in the Cuban capital. The incident occurred at 4:15 p.m. involving bus number 5229 on Route 23 from the Lawton Terminal, near the National Museum of Fine Arts on Avenida Bélgica in Old Havana, according to the Provincial Transportation Company of Havana.
The attack shattered the glass of the left side window, adjacent to the driver's seat. The bus, which was in service at the time, was forced to stop, and the driver went to the Dragones police station to file a report. Authorities from the PNR are investigating the incident and are "working with the company" to clarify the attack.
The Provincial Transportation Company of Havana condemned the act, pointing out that such incidents disrupt passenger transport in the capital, where public transportation services are already severely lacking. Earlier that same morning, a bus on Route P7 was similarly attacked in the Cotorro municipality, damaging the same part of the vehicle as the one on Route 23: the left side window.
These stone-throwing attacks are part of a recent series of vandalism acts targeting Havana's public transport. Over the past few weeks, at least five incidents have been reported, underscoring the deterioration of the transportation system and the escalating social tensions in the Cuban capital.
Authorities have condemned these attacks and promised to increase surveillance, yet the incidents continue to occur with alarming regularity. The Provincial Transportation Company of Havana has stressed the importance of public cooperation in reporting suspicious behavior to help curtail these violent acts.
Frequently Asked Questions on Public Transport Vandalism in Havana
What steps are authorities taking to prevent bus attacks in Havana?
Authorities have pledged to increase surveillance and are collaborating with the Provincial Transportation Company to investigate and prevent these incidents. They also urge public cooperation in reporting any suspicious activities.
Why is there an increase in vandalism against public transport in Havana?
The rise in vandalism is believed to be linked to the deteriorating public transportation system and growing social tensions within the Cuban capital, exacerbated by the country's ongoing economic challenges.
How do these attacks affect public transportation in Havana?
These acts of vandalism disrupt the already deficient public transportation services, further complicating the mobility of passengers across Havana and straining the limited resources of the transportation system.