Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Havana, Feb 7 - Starting today, Cuba will implement several measures in the transportation system to face the energy crisis caused by the United States Government's decision to impose tariffs on companies that send oil to the island.
According to statements by the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez, the decision by US President Donald Trump affects all areas, and some of the agreed modifications have already been applied, while others will be established gradually.
During an appearance on the Cuban television program "Mesa Redonda," Rodríguez assured that port or air operations will be prioritized to guarantee the arrival of food, fuel, and medical supplies, in addition to exports.
He also specified yesterday that national and international flights will be maintained "according to airline availability."
He likewise reported that the transportation of collaborators is organized to make use of the limited available fuel and provided details of the program coordinated with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education to ensure the movement of students and teachers.
Rodríguez emphasized that the adjustments imply reductions in freight transport and, therefore, the suspension of national events.
Regarding maritime transport between Batabanó (southwest) and Nueva Gerona (Isla de la Juventud), he said that the available vessels will sail only on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and there will be an associated bus service to Pinar del Río and a railway service to the rest of the provinces.
Specifically, he indicated that passenger trains will provide service every eight days, instead of every four, as was their recent frequency.
On days without travel, he pointed out, transportation related to the movement of teachers and students returning to their homes will be organized, a modality planned to begin tomorrow.
As he mentioned on the television program, it is planned to suspend waiting lists, reduce the number of destinations served by the Ómnibus Nacionales company, maintain daily departures from Havana to provincial capitals, and, on alternate days, to Baracoa (Guantánamo, eastern Cuba).
The Medibus service, which involves transfers via national, interprovincial, and also local buses for medical treatments, will be maintained, he asserted.
Regarding public transportation in this capital, he notified that how the routes will be organized has not yet been defined and announced the imminent start of a system to transport doctors.
On the other hand, he emphasized that measures have already been designed to prevent an increase in the cost of fares for private services and to assist in passenger transport at major boarding points.
Along with Vice Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva and heads of other ministries, the Minister of Transportation appeared on "Mesa Redonda," dedicated to informing about the measures adopted by the Government to confront the energy crisis. (Text and photo: PL)
