Method for operating an elevator with multiple shafts and cars

A method for operating an elevator system with at least two cars and at least two elevator shafts that extend vertically, wherein the at least two cars are movable between the at least two elevator shafts, the method comprising operating the elevator system in a first operating mode or a second operating mode,

• performing transportation operations in the first operating mode by the at least two cars in the at least two elevator shafts;
• restricting at least one of the at least two cars to a second region of the at least two elevator shafts in the second operating mode, wherein the at least one of the at least two cars is not available for transportation operations in a first region of the at least two elevator shafts, wherein the first and second regions do not overlap;
• wherein transportation operations involving movement of the at least two cars between the first and second regions are performed in the first operating mode, and
• further comprising carrying out maintenance, in the second region, on the at least one of the at least two cars that is restricted to the second region in the second operating mode.