Judge Overturns Transport Board Decision on Serrano’s

Ladyville residents who once protested in defense of their preferred bus line, Serrano’s, have now been vindicated by the courts.

In a judgment handed down last Thursday, Justice M. Javed Mansoor of the High Court overturned the Transport Board’s decision to deny renewal of Serrano’s road service permit, ruling that the board’s actions breached the company’s constitutional rights.

The case stems from May 11, 2023, when the Transport Board, during an emergency meeting, refused to renew operator Hernan Serrano’s permit for the Milpa Site–Belize City route. The decision was made without prior notice or a fair hearing, following allegations of traffic infractions.

Justice Mansoor found that this process violated principles of natural justice and procedural fairness. The court also noted that some alleged infractions occurred after Serrano’s previous permit had already expired, and that a competitor, Central Transit, which was later awarded the route, had also faced similar infractions.

Adding weight to Serrano’s claim of unfair treatment, Justice Mansoor ruled that he had been denied equal protection under the law. The court awarded Serrano $60,000 in damages plus costs and barred the Board from assigning the route to any other operator until it properly considers his application.

In the meantime, Central Transit has been operating the route, but not without controversy. In June 2023, one of its buses was spotted emitting heavy smoke while carrying passengers, and in August that same bus caught fire.

Serrano, represented by attorneys William A. Lindo and Alister Jenkins, has operated the Milpa Site–Belize City route since 2015. The Transport Board was defended by attorney Christy Lopez.

The ruling not only quashes the Board’s 2023 decision but also underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring fair treatment and due process in public administration.