The inconvenience caused to the population by the long and sometimes fruitless queues in front of the ATMs is an indication of the deterioration of the service, mainly due to the serious difficulties caused by the lack of cash and spare parts for the necessary maintenance of these machines.
It is true that the functions of ATMs are diverse. Not only to withdraw money, although this is the most common action for citizens. Inflation and high prices require it.
I do not know the number of ATMs currently operating in the Cuban capital, but I assume that one of the main tasks of bank managers in the territory is to achieve greater efficiency of those that still operate. At least in terms of schedules, the best service is not guaranteed.
If I want to withdraw money through the teller, I have no choice but to wait for the tellers to arrive at the branch. But if I want to use the ATM outside the branch, why do I have to wait until 8:30 a.m.? Couldn’t they put it there earlier, say 7:00 a.m.?
I asked at the branch located at Ayestarán and 20 de Mayo, and the answer was that these personnel started their work when the agency began its working hours at 8:30 a.m., just like that, without thinking of any variation that could be used.
The ATMs can operate as long as they have money, regardless of the time, so since the queues for withdrawals start very early in the morning, it should be brought forward, which would be very well received by the population.
In the last few days at the Banco Metropolitano branch located in the very busy Esquina de Toyo, I have gone through both lines. Either for the teller or for the ATM. I arrived at 6:30 a.m. and a few minutes after 8:30 a.m. the first customers entered the branch. Meanwhile, the ATM was still down because they were putting money in and the first customer was able to make a transaction half an hour later. Something is not working well here.
