Complaints from multiple sources about maskless passengers on Red Buses finally get some action. Curious, I hopped on a bus at the Tram station and got a surprise.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
No More Maskless Passengers on Red Buses
Every other passenger wore a face mask, and the officer addressed another longstanding need, making sure seats assigned for needy riders were used as intended.
An unexpected plus, the ridiculously outdated signs offering poor advice for over a year were gone. Somebody finally conceded that guidance from the first week of the pandemic was a misfit in 2021.
But on a cloudy day, with rain in the air, how would the influx of more passengers go? Would the officer enforce the mandate against maskless passengers?
And how would riders respond?
The rest of the ride was as pleasantly surprising as finding PSD onboard in the first place. Most people go along with the rules already, but for others, seeing an officer on board sent masks in place promptly.
Moving on
At least for this ride, maskless passengers were in the past, and one more thing. As we approached the public library stop, another officer waited, checking to make sure our bus had spare face masks available.
Was it mostly for show, a commitment sure to fade? We don’t know, but after seeing PSD Chief Kevin Brown looking in at one stop…
But after riding all the way to the Octagon, I walked up through Lighthouse Park, checking on Nellie Bly construction. Drizzle falling.
Then, a little damper, I got on the next bus heading south.
No PSD officer.
And then, after a stop in the canyon, I jumped on another Red Bus at Good Shepherd Plaza.
No PSD officer there either.
But no maskless passengers either.
Although in the long run having a cop on every bus is far from essential, creating awareness is.
And for now, RIOC’s done that.
Applause and thank you.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
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- Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody reportRIOC’s Nov. 11 PSD blotter lists 10 incidents, all on Main Street, including two medical calls at 555 Main Street, a water leak at 560 Main and a custody or visitation report.
- Six-Unit Apartment Building Planned for 10th Street in AstoriaPlans for a six-unit apartment building in Astoria call for four stories at 35-25 10th St. See proposed dimensions, apartment sizes and permit status.
- Tuesday’s PSD blotter: noise calls, a harassment reportRIOC’s Nov. 10 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents, all on Main Street, including four noise complaints, a harassment report and one hospital transport.
- Queens Public Library Ransomware Attack: Digital Services Still DisruptedThe Queens Public Library ransomware attack continues to disrupt public computers, digital books and online services, with no confirmed restoration date.
“Yes. I’m Present.”
It is October 20, 2022, and the Cultural Center Theater at 548 Main Street has again been made to serve as a boardroom, its folding tables carrying the temporary authority of the state. The folding tables are perfect for RIOC. They support anything, question nothing and collapse under pressure. At 5:45 p.m., Chair Designee Alex Valella calls the meeting to order.
