IMM launches investigation into non-functioning elevators and escalators

 Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has taken action regarding the issue of non-functioning escalators and elevators in rail systems.

With the approval of the IMM Presidency, it was decided to launch an investigation into why these are malfunctioning. Within the scope of the investigation, for which two inspectors have been appointed by the Board of Inspection, a request for information and documents was submitted to the Department of Rail Systems via an official letter.

The letter stated that many malfunctions have recently occurred regarding the escalators and elevators located at access points to public transport vehicles.

INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS REQUESTED

In the letter, which requested a copy of the IMM Assembly decisions that form the basis for the duties and working regulations and directives of the Department of Rail Systems, the following statements were included: "In accordance with the IMM Assembly decision, information is required regarding which items constitute the maintenance and repair works that make the continuity of operations mandatory, information on which items constitute the revision, supply, and renewal investments needed for facilities, infrastructure, and rail system vehicles during operation, and an explanatory letter prepared with the legal basis regarding the distribution of duties and authority between the IMM Presidency and Metro Istanbul AŞ during the execution of services."

The letter stated that correspondence between the subsidiary company Metro Istanbul AŞ and the Department of Rail Systems regarding elevators and escalators was requested, and that the necessary information and documents must be sent to the Board of Inspection.

LETTER FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF RAIL SYSTEMS

Following this, a response letter was sent by the Department of Rail Systems to the Board of Inspection.

The letter stated that there is no document or correspondence prepared with legal grounds other than the "Duty and Working Regulation" regarding the distribution of duties and authority between the IMM Presidency and Metro Istanbul AŞ in accordance with the IMM Assembly decision.

The following was noted in the letter referring to the Assembly decision:

"Although it is not under the responsibility of the IMM, partial spare parts are being procured in the interest of the public to ensure the continuity of operations and to prevent the people of Istanbul from suffering grievances, upon the request of Metro Istanbul AŞ during meetings, citing its financial situation. However, due to the obligation to use Turkish Lira in public procurement legislation, the procurement costs of the spare parts in question have increased significantly, difficulties are being experienced in the procurement processes, and the continuity of operations is at risk; therefore, it is considered more appropriate for the spare parts procurement to be carried out by Metro Istanbul AŞ itself, which has the option to organize tenders in foreign currency."

News Source: AA