Overhaul of 278 Pieces of VT Nearly Complete in İzmir

The complete overhaul of 278 pieces of vertical-transportation (VT) equipment — 194 escalators and 84 elevators — serving the İzmir Metro in Türkiye is nearly complete, Railly News reports. Under the supervision of the TMMOB Chamber of Mechanical Engineers, the most comprehensive VT work carried out since İzmir Metro commenced service in 2000 began in July 2024 following a major escalator accident in which 11 people were injured. In that case, an escalator suddenly reversed direction. Dr. Cemil Tugay, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality mayor, said that 95% of the escalator work had been completed, adding that importing spare parts took some time. The escalator at the Uçyol Square exit, where the accident occurred, will be fully replaced by the first quarter of 2025. All elevators are in service, and all VT equipment is now “100% safe,” İzmir Metro AS General Manager Sinan Karakuzu said.