Cuban Parliament discusses the complex situation of the country's transportation sector

HAVANA, Cuba, Jul 18 (ACN) The current outlook for transportation development in Cuba was one of the points of analysis at the 5th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) in its 10th Legislature.

Tamara Valido Benitez, president of the Permanent Working Committee on Service Attention, read to the plenary the report on the highest oversight exercise carried out by the supreme body of state power at the Ministry of Transportation (Mitrans).

Since its formulation, the document indicates that the exercise was characterized by extensive dialogue and exchange with the Boards of Directors, workers, and the population receiving services, who attested to the most pressing problems facing the sector and the actions implemented to reverse the situation.

Regarding the current situation, it is described as very complex, marked by the tightening of the US blockade and the international economic crisis, among other factors, which have limited the availability of foreign currency and fuel for the economy.

These difficulties directly impact the registered activity levels, characterized by the low availability of existing cargo, the poor technical condition of transportation vehicles, the fuel shortage, and the lack of foreign currency financing for the acquisition of spare parts and other additional items.

The sustained deterioration of fundamental transportation indicators reflects the reality of the complex situation facing the sector, with a significant contraction in passenger and freight transportation. The four Superior Business Management Organizations (OSDE) served by the institution reached total revenue levels of 12 billion pesos and profits amounting to 4 billion 907,000 pesos at the end of April 2025, representing 102% and 133% compliance.

The document urges continued pursuit of foreign currency revenue and its retention to generate financing schemes and undertake the necessary investments.

Regarding interprovincial services, 894 million passengers were transported, representing 68% compliance with the plan, 412 million were lost, and a decrease of more than 114 million compared to the same period last year.

The information presented also reflects that, of the more than 2,500 routes operated by provincial transportation companies, 47% are currently closed, primarily due to equipment availability and fuel shortages.

Of the 1,379 active routes, only 90% are operating one trip in the morning and another in the afternoon, mostly with extended frequencies.

The most affected territories are Granma, Matanzas, and Ciego de Avila, with more than two-thirds of their routes out of service.

According to the report, the state of the road network shows a notable deterioration, with significant setbacks on municipal roads, with 45% between fair and poor, provincial roads at 39%, and national roads, although they are in better condition according to the figures, there is significant deterioration in certain sections of the country's main roads, such as the National Highway and others, which impacts road safety.