A method for operating an elevator system, which may include at least two cars that can move independently of one another within a common elevator shaft, may involve determining with an elevator controller to cause a first car of the at least two cars to perform a transportation process from a start stopping point to a destination stopping point. The elevator controller may determine a starting time and travel parameters according to which the first car carries out the transportation process from the start stopping point to the destination stopping point. The starting time and the travel parameters may be determined by taking into account state parameters of a second car of the at least two cars.