Msida Lifts Tested: Are They Ready for the New Bridge?

Imagine this: you’re in a hurry, you’re at Msida’s Barrakka Lift, and the lift suddenly stops midway. You’re stuck, the air is stuffy, and you’re left wondering, “What if this happens when the new pedestrian bridge is finally here?” Well, we decided to find out just how reliable our lifts are before we get our shiny new bridge.

Msida’s Barrakka and Ta’ Liesse lifts are lifelines for many residents, connecting the lower parts of Msida with its higher areas. Built in the 1960s, they’ve been through repairs and upgrades, but they’re showing their age. With the new pedestrian bridge on the way, we wanted to ensure these lifts are up to the task, at least until the bridge is ready.

Over a week, we tested the lifts at peak times – morning rush hour and late afternoon. We timed how long it took for the lifts to arrive, how smooth the ride was, and most importantly, how reliable they were. Here’s what we found:

• Arrival Time: On average, it took about 5 minutes for a lift to arrive. This varied, of course – sometimes it was quicker, sometimes it was longer. But 5 minutes is doable, especially when you consider the alternative: climbing those steep streets.
• Ride Quality: The rides were generally smooth, but there were a few jolts here and there. Nothing major, but enough to make you hold onto the handrail.
• Reliability: This is where things got interesting. Out of our 20 test runs, we had two instances where the lift stopped midway. In both cases, it was a minor glitch – the lift restarted after a few seconds. But it was enough to make us sweat.

We also spoke to residents and commuters. Most were understanding, acknowledging that the lifts are old and need regular maintenance. But there were concerns too, especially about the lifts’ reliability during peak times.

The new pedestrian bridge, set to connect Msida to Ta’ Xbiex, promises a smoother, more scenic commute. But until it’s ready, we rely on these lifts. So, what can we do?

First, let’s appreciate our lifts. They’ve served us well for decades. Second, let’s report any issues we face. The more the authorities know, the better they can maintain these lifts. And third, let’s be patient. Change is coming, but until then, let’s make the most of what we have.

As one resident put it, “The lifts are like old friends. They might have their quirks, but they get us where we need to go.” Let’s treat them with the respect they deserve.