“Se va a poner peor”. Crisis del transporte tras el bloqueo petrolero a #cuba

Transportation is one of the sectors most affected by the measures the Cuban government has had to take to address the fuel shortage caused by renewed pressure, particularly the oil embargo imposed on the island by the United States government. State-run transportation services are practically non-operational, while private services have decreased considerably due to cuts in fuel sales. “The situation is very critical. We don't have fuel to work. The CUPET station that supplies us isn't receiving any more fuel, they're not going to sell any more in US dollars, and there are practically no cars left. I have enough to work today, but I won't have any for tomorrow, and that's how it is for everyone,” one of the taxi drivers waiting for customers in El Curita Park, in Central Havana, told OnCuba. This park is one of the busiest taxi stands in the city, and today it shows a noticeable decrease in traffic. A woman waiting to board a private bus traveling from Havana to Cárdenas says the fare has doubled, while a "bukenque," as those who organize the lines of cars and passengers at taxi stands are known in Cuba, says that the cost of regular routes like from Centro Habana to Cerro or Marianao now ranges between 300 and 400 pesos. Given the limited availability of transportation for a population that largely depends on public transport, the price increase adds another layer of complexity to the already difficult situation. Vehicles like electric tricycles are emerging as alternatives, but the service they provide is far from a solution to the high demand in the country, especially in Havana. An electric tricycle driver says he's noticed a decrease in cars on the road, but the number of people needing transportation remains the same. He also says that this type of service maintains its usual price and "offers discounts for vulnerable people." “We have to consider this, because we need to help each other; we're not here to abuse or take advantage of the situation,” she tells us. The disruptions to transportation are a cross-cutting issue with effects on almost every aspect of life. In fact, many of the measures being implemented in response to the crisis in other areas, such as work schedules and education, address the difficulties people are having moving around. They are trying to continue their lives as normally as possible, but they remain anxious about what might happen in the coming weeks. By @liedlorainguerra5861