Road rage aggressor runs transport for disabled children

A man who was arraigned in court last week following a road rage incident is currently operating a seven-year contract for the transportation of children with disability, MaltaToday has learnt.

Marius (Mario) Muscat, 57, is president of the Transport Services for Disabled Persons Cooperative Ltd (TDP Services), which currently provides school transport services.

He was charged in court on Friday with slightly injuring a motorist after stopping his BMW X6 in the middle of the Birkirkara Bypass and assaulted the driver with what appeared to be a tool.

Informed sources have told MaltaToday that TDP Services had their contract renewed in 2011 to cover transport routes for the scholastic years 2011/12 to 2017/18.

The agreement was signed in 2011 between the Directorate of Education Services and TDP Services. 

The estimated cost for the duration of the contract is €3.5 million: TDP Services is paid circa €450,000 per scholastic year to transport primary and secondary students to school and back, plus any increases in the cost of living adjustment.

The transport services cover the scholastic year but no services are provided during weekends, public holidays, and summer, Christmas and Easter holidays.

On Friday, Muscat was charged with slightly injuring Mario Vella, 61, and damaging Vella’s car. He was also charged with obstructing traffic and breaching the public peace. 

A video posted online by The Times of Malta showed Muscat storming out of his crossover SUV and assaulting Vella, following a heated verbal exchange which allegedly took place whilst the two were still driving.

Muscat was also filmed assaulting Vella with what is believed to have been a tool that he got out from the trunk of his BMW.

A third driver was seen stopping his car to break up the argument.

Appearing for Muscat, lawyer Franco Debono said his client had been visiting his son at Mater Dei Hospital, where he was in intensive care. Muscat is pleading not guilty to the chargers and has accused Vella of provoking him. 

He was granted bail against a deposit of €800 and a personal guarantee of €3,000.

Speaking to the media, Vella said the squabble started while the two were driving out of Mater Dei Hospital: Muscat reportedly blocked his way and Vella called him “an idiot and animal”; Vella reportedly swore at Muscat and offended his family.