Updated: Coach driver beaten, White taxis pick up passengers, Marsa blocked

(Updates with buses slowing traffic in Marsa, Qormi, heading towards Luqa)

A coach driver was forced off his vehicle and beaten in an incident near Zebbug this morning.

Informed sources said the incident happened near St Dorothy School. The coach was transporting students when it was stopped by people who appeared to be striking public transport drivers. The coach driver was ordered down and beaten. His keys were stolen and the coach was left in the middle of the road.

The police are investigating.

Meanwhile, White taxis have been reported picking up passengers in various parts of Malta, reinforcing reports that while all owners of red mini-buses and route buses have been taking part in the public transport strike, there are divisions among the taxi drivers.

Black chauffeur driven cars, which have been allowed to operate as taxis, have also been making good business, after experiencing initial difficulties at the airport and the seaport. A number of owners of black taxis also own white taxis.

Meanwhile the protests by the transport workers have been continuing noisily but otherwise without incident. Buses and mini-buses left St Anne Street this morning and carcaded slowly in Sliema and St Julians. Most of the buses the returned to Valletta terminus but are now heading out, slowing traffic in Marsa and Qormi and apparently heading towards Luqa.