On Day One of our no subway weekend, the simple answer is “Not much.” Smaller than feared crowds showed up, and plans by RIOC and the MTA, mitigating traffic issues, mostly worked.
By David Stone
No subway weekend, Day One
MTA shuttle buses rolled up Main Street all day, taking passengers across the East River to Queens Plaza and back. Multiple subway lines there filled in for F trains detouring away from Roosevelt Island.
And RIOC added Red Bus shuttles between Tram Plazas, helping relieve some demand. But that success was limited by a familiar nemesis: heavy traffic over the Queensboro Bridge.
NYC Ferry kept to its normal local schedule, and there were no reported incidents of crowding or delays.
This is late afternoon, but lines like this built up all day. RIOC, however, kept things moving smoothly and fast. Fifteen minutes after lining up here, we were in a not too crowded tram on our way home.
Congestion delays getting on and off Roosevelt Island were serious concerns, but with some unavoidable inconveniences, the state agencies handled them well.
And a combination of cooler weather, some showers and cherry blossoms well past peak discouraged flocks of visitors.
Although Sunday’s weather will be better, conditions aren’t expected to escalate into a danger zone.
RIOC Report Card
RIOC did well at managing the Tram issues, but after that, it’s a mixed bag.
“PSD officers will be present at each station and will enforce social distancing,” RIOC promised.
Well, yes and no.
Officers were there, and they courteously and efficiently controlled lines inside the Tram Stations. But outside, there were no efforts at enforcing social distancing.
In fact, when we waited in line on 2nd Avenue, social distancing would’ve sent the line trailing down 60th Street almost to Lexington. That wasn’t the case, and if you look at the photo above, you’ll see people jammed tight on the stairway.
No PSD officers were in sight until we reached the platform upstairs.
Also, according to RIOC, “Citations will be issued to any cyclist/motorized scooters who do not adhere to NYC bike laws.”
That was no more true than it’s ever been as RIOC promises but never delivers.
You didn’t have to look hard to find bike riders routinely pedalling the wrong way down one-way streets, dodging traffic, even with PSD officers standing there watching them. PSD’s carelessness was especially worrisome after dark.
Bicyclists without headlights repeatedly cruised the narrow one-way lane between the subway and tram stations. No officers interfered, and really, it’s just a matter of time.
And for Day Two?
Fair weather and an expectation of both RIOC and the MTA again executing their plans effectively mean delays, but not too much, getting on and off Roosevelt Island.
And if you’re riding a bike, be careful, follow the rules and be courteous. Your self-enforcement is all we’ve got.
Latest from the Roosevelt Island Daily News desk…
FDR Four Freedoms State Park and Southpoint Park welcome visitors as spring awakens across New York City
Are Narcissist Anxiety Attacks Common?
This question has caused a ruckus in the psychology community: Are narcissist anxiety attacks common, and if so, what causes them? Edited by David Stone When it comes to narcissism, there’s a paradox. On one hand, you have the classic narcissists, strutting their stuff with all the subtlety of a peacock in a penguin colony,…
Keep reading
Understanding Narcissistic Behavior: A Deep Dive
Narcissistic behavior, often associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), is characterized by a deep sense of self-importance, entitlement, and a lack of empathy. We’ll try shedding some light on the various aspects of narcissistic behavior and help readers understand this complex personality trait. Edited by David Stone The Core Traits of Narcissism Narcissism involves self-centered,…
Keep reading
Is Congestion Pricing All Pain, No Gain for Motorists?
Expert observers and former transit officials say the MTA and the city are using too many “sticks” and not enough “carrots” in their rollout of the pioneering tolling system set to launch next year. Jose Martinez, The City This article was originally published on Sep 18 12:22pm EDT by THE CITY When New York next…
Keep reading
Now and Then: Haynes, Robinson and Sharpe Sued Again
Last week in The Land of Lawsuits, RIOC President/CEO Shelton J. Haynes, Chief Council Gretchen Robinson and Assistant Vice President Tajuna Sharpe were sued again. The complainant is Karline Jean, a 21-year employee. Her story echoes others but is loaded with new revelations. by David Stone The Roosevelt Island Daily News First of all, there…
Keep reading
About RIOC Board Members: What are they supposed to do…?
Serving as board members of a New York State public benefit corporation like RIOC is not your everyday walk in Central Park. It should be more like riding the subway during rush hour – exhilarating, intense, and you’re responsible for a lot of people. Edited by David Stone First off, a public benefit corporation’s board…
Keep reading
The Vegan Veggie Dilemma: When Broccoli Begs for Mercy and Mushrooms Mourn
Picture this: You’re sitting down to your dinner, a plate full of vibrant, crisp veggies, each one more colorful than the next. Suddenly, you hear a tiny voice… “Not the broccoli!” it shrieks! Could it be? Is your broccoli begging for mercy? Have we been overlooking the rights of our radishes, the liberty of our…
Keep readingLoading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
About Author
