Since last Friday, Serranos Bus Line has not been on the road for the first time in eight years. That's because, as we've reported, the transport board did not approve their road permit. You heard the minister list off the infractions against Serranos, including some that allege violence on his part.
But Serranos isn't giving up without a fight. The bus line has retained attorney William Lindo, who filed an application for judicial review last week. They will be challenging the decision of the transport board to rescind Serranos' permit, and to prevent it being given to Central Transit.
Today, we spoke with Lindo via Zoom and he told us that Serranos wasn't given a fair chance to defend themselves before the permit was taken away.
William Lindo, Attorney
"You have allegations of complaints and what really happened is the supposedly the minister or the transport board got these complaints but neither of them had the courtesy to say Mr Serrano, look, we have these complaints against you, before we take any decision, let me hear from you first. In other words, don't just accuse me but give me my time so I could make representations to you and defend myself. That did not happen."
"What you said earlier is correct that Mr Serrano has been charged but the fact of the matter is that Mr Serrano has never been convicted of any of these things. There's no convictions, there are just speculations and allegations against him and the transport board and the minister had a duty to inquire into those things."
"Even at that if there's an allegation made against me, let's say years ago when Ramos bus was operating, well, the truth is, you have forgiven that by the consistent renewal of Serrano's road service permit for the past eight years."
"I think that Mr Serrano's constitutional rights were breached in that he wasn't treated fairly, he wasn't given equal protection of the law and what we're saying is that the very least there is an appearance of bias as to why Central Transit is favored over Mr Serrano."
"One of the proprietors of Central Transit is the chairman of Ladyville Village, the other proprietor is the chairman of Lord's Bank Village, both chairmen ran on a PUP ticket. So it goes more than just being simply the driver but you are really my pick to run for village council for both villages that fall under my constituency."
Lindo also explained that they will be filing a fixed date claim form for judicial review, and expect a first hearing in October.
