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
- Community Rhythms and Neighborhood Steadiness on Roosevelt IslandExplore community rhythms and neighborhood steadiness on Roosevelt Island, from public safety updates to art, weather, and the everyday connections that keep island life vibrant.
- How Roosevelt Island’s Steady Daily Life Connects With City ChangesExplore how Roosevelt Island’s steady daily life connects with city changes, from safety incidents to neighborhood campaigns, and how island routines shape our shared urban rhythms.
- Mother’s Day Weekend on Roosevelt Island: Warming Up to CommunityCelebrate community during Mother’s Day weekend on Roosevelt Island. Discover how neighbors gather, new spots like Citarella, and the warmth of the season.
- How Queens News and Community Events Influence Roosevelt Island Daily LifeSee how Queens news and community events influence Roosevelt Island daily life, touching on public safety, housing changes, and neighborhood connections.
- June News Highlights: Roosevelt Island and Queens Community UpdatesGet the latest June news highlights from Roosevelt Island and Queens, including community updates, local safety, rent discussions, transit negotiations, and celebrations.
Air Doesn’t Have an Address
The Roosevelt Island Steam Plant fight has reached a new stage: DOB has agreed to a site walkthrough, ArchRI says it is bringing independent engineers and architects, and four elected officials have formally asked RIOC to create a Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the project.
