IETT’s Daily Business and New Standards in the Return of Forgotten Items
Today, IETT is a giant transportation network that serves every corner of Istanbul and carries approximately 5 million passengers daily. Working in the heart of the city, this structure aims to keep the safety and comfort of not only its vehicles but also its passengers at the highest level. Meticulous processes, especially for the return of forgotten items, directly affect the reliability of public transportation and user satisfaction. In this context, the data obtained in 2025 clearly reveals the steps and processes followed in delivering the goods to their owners.
Delivering One Third of the Goods to Their Owners: System and Process
30,717 items forgotten in Istanbul’s public transportation network were carefully examined and delivered to their owners. This figure corresponds to approximately one-third of the total of 108,000 items in a year and highlights the point that even if forgotten items are largely reclaimed, there is an accessible and safe return process.
Sorting of items occurs as follows: those whose owners can be identified, those that are non-biodegradable, or those that are important, such as electronics, are securely recorded first; The owner is then informed through communication channels that can be reached. Items whose owners cannot be found and are in usable condition are delivered to those in need through donations within the framework of the legislation. Electronic goods are put up for sale via auction at the end of the one-year storage period. This process both ensures the effective use of public resources and supports financial sustainability for the benefit of society.
Applications via Digital and Call Center
Application channels for lost items are carried out through IBB 153 Call Center and IETT’s official website. This multi-channel approach aims to offer passengers the fastest and most accessible solution. Applications are recorded instantly, the type and condition of the goods are verified, and the process can be monitored transparently with the tracking number. Thus, the probability of forgotten items being reunited with their owners is maximized.
Unusual Items and Creatures: Noteworthy List
The extraordinary situations experienced in 2025 will also make the unexpected aspects of public transportation visible. Some unusual items and creatures encountered this year include: suits, scooters, zamzam water, birds, cats, foot prostheses, wheelchairs, dental molds, hearing aids, baby dolls in wedding dresses, ladders, helmets, fire extinguishers, ovens, tambourines, bicycles, tripods, roller skates, baby carriages, robot vacuum cleaners, guitars, drills, heaters, shower heads, skateboards and lampshades. This list includes not only items of material value, but also many items that are important in the daily life of travelers. Special protocols come into play for each substance; Some of them are evaluated through donation or sale, while others are separated for destruction depending on the damage.
Ownership and Security: Item Tracking and Transparency
IETT’s process of reuniting items with their owners includes steps such as identity verification, item numbering, and tracking loss reports. In this way, the risk of falling into the wrong hands is minimized. While passengers’ applications are evaluated, the processes followed are carried out in accordance with the principles of transparency and security. In addition, up-to-date correct contact information in lost property reports plays a key role in the success of the process.
IMM and Donation Policy: One Year Ahead Goals
The donation policy applies to items whose owner cannot be found but are in usable condition. This approach maximizes social benefit and provides direct support to citizens in need. In the case of electronic goods, when the one-year storage period expires, they are put up for sale via auction. Thus, opportunities are created for efficient use of public resources and reinvestment.
Data-Driven Success: Key Points and Future Plans
IETT’s 2025 data shows how effectively the processes are carried out with the data-oriented approach used in the management of goods. The fact that one-third of forgotten items reach their owners is an indication of the integration between processes and rapid intervention. In addition, it is aimed to make applications and processes faster and more reliable with innovative solutions and user-oriented digital interfaces. Future plans include reuse programs based on types of unclaimed items, refurbishment centers, and smarter inventory management to reduce traffic congestion.
Public Transport Safety and Customer Experience: An Eco-System Working Together
The safety and customer experience of public transportation is not just between vehicles and lines. The process of returning goods is strengthened by the harmonious work of drivers, stop attendants and call center teams. This holistic approach makes passengers feel safe and increases the preference rate of public transportation. Additionally, the long-term effects of forgotten items have positive effects on corporate trust and brand reputation as a reliable service. In this way, the public transportation infrastructure in Istanbul is not only a means of travel; At the same time, it gains a position as a safe, efficient and sustainable part of city life.
