Novelo brothers back in business; granted temporary permit

The Belize Transport Board has officially confirmed today that the Novelo brothers have been approved to operate legally on the nation’s highways. According to a release this afternoon from the board, National Transport will “fill gaps” on the Western Highway, running four routes between Belize City and Benque Viejo. We understand the permits are temporary, valid only for one month, after which the company will need additional approval. Reports out of Belmopan are that the Transport Department and the Belize Transport Board are presently conducting a joint survey of commuter traffic with initial findings indicating a “significant increase” in passenger numbers, a situation which has led to safety hazards such as overcrowding. The Novelo permits are part of a total of forty-one applications for road service licenses approved by the Transport Board during meetings on Saturday in Belmopan. The move by the board follows a series of operations by transport officials which resulted in several National Transport vehicles being impounded and drivers charged for operating without legal road service permits. General Cedric Borland is chair of the Transport Board.