Cuban Railways Upgrade: Chinese-built trains on first public run through island

World
Europe

Cuba is on a mission to overhaul its railway system by 2030. And it has taken the first step by unveiling new Chinese-built passenger trains. CGTN's Luis Chirino takes us on a ride from Havana.

The new train service has been welcomed by those who travel long distances on the island and passengers are expected to benefit from lower fares and higher train frequencies.

MARIELENA ARIAS PASSENGER "This is a magnificent option because it helps move a large number of passengers on its trip throughout the country."

The new trains will carry over 700 passengers each and travel across the island while making stops along the way in different cities. It is considered the cheapest form of long-distance transportation. A round trip ticket from Havana to Guantanamo starts at 200 Cuban pesos or eight dollars.

This is the first import of new equipment since the 1970s and it is part of the government's plan to overhaul its deteriorated rail system by the end of 2030. The new trains will be pulled by locomotives that were recently revamped at local repair plants until new ones are imported.

EDUARDO HERNANDEZ CEO, CUBAN RAILROAD SYSTEM "This is the first impact on train passenger transportation in our country, with faster departure frequency and more comfortable wagons which will allow us to move about one million passengers next year."

CGTN was invited to travel on the new train for the first stopover in the western Cuban region.

LUIS CHIRINO HAVANA "This is one of 240-passenger cars to come from China in order to boost the overhaul of the island's railroad system."

Each 78-seat wagon offers onboard services and great comfort, with air conditioning systems or fans, reclining and rotating seats, bathrooms, cold-drinking water, and catering services.

The new service meets passenger demands for rail improvements after suffering from lack of maintenance and new equipment.

GLEYSA VIDEAUX PASSENGER "This is something outstanding, which we've expected for a long time, since this really improves transportation, the people were waiting for this service which is very good."

The new blue train has arrived at the western province of Matanzas to pick more passengers during a brief stop-over and will now keep going on its route towards an improved Cuban railroad system future. LCH, CGTN, HAVANA.