A concerned resident, yesterday, reported yet another maskless Red Bus rider ignored by RIOC’s driver. Locally, the beat goes on as Delta virus threats rise.

By David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

Two days later, more maskless passengers put their neighbors at risk while ultra passive RIOC refuses getting involved.

There are growing questions over what it will take for RIOC to care enough to deal with bus drivers unwilling to act. And an expensive Public Safety Department unwilling to get involved with, well, the biggest threat to public safety in a generation.

As if emphasizing the growing threat, Major League Baseball, on Friday, cancelled a big draw game between the Yankees and Red Sox.

The cause? A COVID-19 outbreak on a team already more than 85% vaccinated.

But it didn’t wake up RIOC.

But RIOC still refuses to take the disease seriously. In spite of claims to the contrary, drivers ignore maskless Red Bus riders, endangering other passengers.

Our readers previously stressed the threat for children, many of them not yet vaccinated and those under 12 not yet qualified. But appeals fell on deaf ears with the state agency.

The beat goes on. Who’s next?

Also from the Roosevelt Island Daily News

• 
  Three New Schools Open in Western Queens Amid Ongoing Classroom Overcrowding
  Three new schools have opened in Western Queens, giving some relief in classroom overcrowding, but families still face capacity challenges and tough implementation issues this fall.
• 
  Certified 9/11-Related Cancer Cases Double at Northwell Health
  Northwell Health has seen a sharp increase as certified 9/11-related cancer cases double, transforming care for survivors and responders in the New York region.
• 
  Long-Term Health Effects Linked to 9/11: 25 Years Later
  The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks brings renewed focus to long-term health effects linked to 9/11, with ongoing needs for survivors, first responders, and affected communities.
• 
  NYC Yellow School Bus Shortage Disrupts Back-to-School Plans
  A potential NYC yellow school bus shortage could affect back-to-school transportation and schedules as classes begin. Learn how families, schools, and city officials are responding.
• 
  Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Suspected in Hunters Point High-Rise: FDNY Responds
  A lithium-ion battery fire is suspected in the Hunters Point high-rise incident that prompted a major FDNY response, with a second Queens fire following at Ravenswood. Officials are investigating both events.

Ten Years, or Another Temporary Fix?

The ten-year lease extension gives RIOC a rare chance to replace short-term deals with a financial system designed to outlast the people approving them.

Theo Gobblevelt Aug 7, 2026

Roosevelt Island was built through public investment, then expected to support itself through development. The ten-year lease extension gives RIOC a rare chance to replace short-term deals with a financial system designed to outlast the people approving them.

Continue reading →