Barrakka lift fares would remain unchanged even though a private operator has just been granted a 10-year concession, the Transport Ministry confirmed.

Inaugurated in December 2012, the 58-metre lift, which links Lascaris Wharf to the Upper Barrakka Garden in the heart of the capital, has fast become a popular means of transport, especially for ferry users and cruise liner passengers. Carrying more than 1,600 passengers daily, the lift has become a lucrative business generating an annual revenue in excess of €500,000.

A private operator has just been granted a 10-year concession to run the Barrakka lift. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

In August last year, Transport Malta had issued a request for proposals for the management and operations of the Barrakka lift by a private operator through a concession agreement.

Replying to questions by the Times of Malta, a Transport Ministry spokeswoman said seven bids had been received. Following an evaluation process, the 10-year contract was awarded to Barrakka Limited, she said.

Asked whether the new arrangement could also signal an upward revision of fares, the spokeswoman said the present fare structure of €1 per return trip would be “retained”.

The facility was built on the site of the original Barrakka lift that was in service between 1905 and 1973. It had been dismantled 10 years later. Despite the 40-year break, the service seems to have lost none of its appeal for commuters. With a carrying capacity of up to 800 people per hour, thanks to its two cabins, each capable of carrying up to 21 passengers, commuters can make the journey in 23 seconds.

Official Transport Malta figures show that, last year, there was a 28 per cent increase in the number of people using the lift over the previous year with the peak period being between March and October.

Last year, 72 per cent of passengers used the services against payment and 15 per cent bought a single package ticket comprising the lift and the ferry to the Three Cities.

It also transpired that 13 per cent travelled for free as they were either elderly people in possession of Kartanzjan or children under 10 years.

The facility was also open free of charge on a number of national events, including Notte Bianca, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.