Maskless Tram riders…?
“What are the current RIOC masking rules on the Red Bus and Tram?” a reader asks. “I have noticed that there are fewer people masking-up and, with the Delta variant, it is making me nervous.”
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
I gave her the facts, i.e., 100% masks required. Then, she asked, “Is there anything that can be done about this? Such as a petition to request that they enforce it?”
Maskless Tram Riders
“Nothing has worked so far,” we wrote, although for the last few days, Red Bus enforcement has treated us to rides without the hazards of maskless passengers.
“Yesterday, on the tram, kid were not masked (they were not toddlers – more like ages 5 through 8) and on the red bus. I noticed this week that people are dropping their masks (below the nose) and sometimes kids are not masked.”
Going to and from a meeting on the other side of the East River, we decided to check out maskless Tram riders.
In every cabin, including passengers riding into the station, some without masks were visible, although usually hidden from view of the operator.
At least partly responsible was a lack of clear guidance from Tram operators. “Face masks required” was cursory and without gravity.
In one case, though, an operator reached in for a mask which he, then, gave to a passenger boarding right in front of him. No objections from the passenger.
“Maybe, they should bring the Public Safety officers back to the tram platforms to enforce the masks…”
If you can find one.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Nor’easter Brings Flooding and Disruption Across New York CityA powerful nor’easter brings flooding and disruption across New York City, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding impacting neighborhoods through the weekend.
- Fatal Shooting Outside Astoria Gentlemen’s Club During Robbery AttemptA man was fatally shot outside an Astoria gentlemen’s club during a robbery attempt early Thursday. NYPD investigators are seeking witnesses and reviewing video footage as the homicide investigation continues.
- FDNY Response After Minor Explosion at Bayside’s P.S. 41 School Construction SiteFDNY response after minor explosion at Bayside’s P.S. 41 school construction site reassured families with prompt action, thorough checks, and a steady return to routine.
- 14-Year-Old Fatally Shot in Queens: Police Seek Suspect After Afternoon ViolenceA 14-year-old was fatally shot in Queens, prompting a major police investigation. Learn what is known so far as authorities seek the suspect and neighbors react.
- 14-Year-Old Boy Shot Near Beach Channel Drive in Far Rockaway: Conflicting Reports on ConditionA 14-year-old boy was shot near Beach Channel Drive in Far Rockaway as students left school, with conflicting reports on his condition. Police are investigating the incident and have not released full details.
Ten Years, or Another Temporary Fix?
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.
