Barrakka lift tariffs may be revised after the government decided to privatise its operations, the Times of Malta is informed.

A return ticket to use the 58-metre high lift connecting Lascaris ditch to the Upper Barrakka gardens now costs just €1 and those in possession of a Kartanzjan and children under 10 years travel for free.

This is likely to change as Transport Malta has issued a call for proposals to run the lift through a concession. A spokesman said the government had decided to privatise the lift’s operation but would not be drawn into saying whether the present fares structure would be changed.

According to the call for proposals, seen by this newspaper, it is up to the new operator to set the price structure, although this would require Transport Malta’s blessing. While stating that operators could propose a different fare structure to that in force now, the only condition being imposed is that passengers having a harbour ferry ticket would be able to use the lift for free.

It does not indicate whether the elderly or children will continue to use the lift free of charge. According to the Transport Malta spokesman, it is estimated that 1,600 people use the lift daily. This means the lift generates over €500,000 a year in revenue.