Many pros and cons surround the issue of bike taxis and electric tricycles; it is true they ease the problem of local transportation and contribute to the economy by paying taxes to the National Tax Administration Office, but this does not give them the right to set prices, hiding behind trivial arguments that blame the State for their misfortunes.
Because they belong to the private sector, they operate under supply and demand, but at times their attitudes go beyond “mutual agreement,” as inspectors call it, becoming a disguised way of exploiting people’s pockets — charging 100 pesos with an ironic look that says “take it or leave it.”
The issue is being analyzed by Transport authorities, since traveling in these cycles has become unsustainable. Complaints about this violation abound, and it is difficult to catch them “red-handed,” as Cubans say.
Fortunately for residents, there is the ecotaxi service for passenger transportation: fast, comfortable, and priced at 10 pesos, accessible to all, with good acceptance in Nueva Gerona and among discharged patients and their accompanying relatives.
Looking ahead, the ecotaxi fleet is expected to continue growing and expand routes in both urban and suburban areas, responding to concerns of residents in La Fe and La Demajagua.
Meanwhile, after ecotaxis finish their work past five in the afternoon, the “ninjas” appear behind the wheel with abusive offers. If order and discipline are not enforced, people will fall into their game and feed their wealth. It is worth reflecting on this for the sake of the residents’ wallets.
