Face mask compliance among Red Bus riders improved recently, and now RIOC’s public safety department steps up enforcement. But success is limited as long as Roosevelt Island neighbors refuse to help out.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
How PSD Steps Up Its Game
Better late than never, on Monday, we found PSD adding spot checks on Red Buses, conducted by uniformed officers. On the bus we rode, an officer boarded, walked the aisle, confirming full compliance before letting the trip resume.
Meticulous, she ordered at least one passenger to raise her mask higher and cover her nose. Education plus enforcement.
While this takes pressure off drivers, the driver also pitched in. After the officer left, he handed out a face mask as a young man entered, telling him it was required.
Credit where credit’s due, Chief Kevin Brown’s department stepped up creatively. It saves lives, and if continued may get us out of pandemic restrictions sooner than later.
But then…
Even as PSD steps up enforcement, we soon saw how hard it is protecting against Red Bus riders who insist on putting their neighbors at risk.
As news of coronavirus variants increasing case loads hits front pages, stubborn resistance remains. Young people, especially those under twelve, face increasing risk while, at the same time, doctors say that the lifetime effects of long COVID are as scary as they are unknown.
PSD’s doing its part, but without good neighbors, unnecessary risks for vulnerable residents will rise.
And it’s getting near the point where you throw up your hands in frustration over the lack of cooperation. Is putting children at risk worth it for evading the minor inconvenience of wearing a face mask for a few minutes?
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- J and M Train Weekend Service Changes: What Riders Need to KnowJ and M train weekend service changes will impact riders for five weekends as crews replace elevated track switches. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for modified schedules across Brooklyn and Queens.
- Coastal Flooding Disrupts Southeast Queens Streets and TransitCoastal flooding disrupted streets and transit across Southeast Queens as a fall nor’easter brought heavy rain and renewed calls for resilience and improved drainage.
- Nor’easter Brings Slow Streets and Transit Delays Across Queens and NYCAfter the nor’easter, slow streets and transit delays across Queens and NYC greeted commuters. Utility crews continued repairs as normal routines resumed Monday.
- 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.
Introduce Yourself Again
On June 18, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Real Estate Development Advisory Committee gathered to discuss ground leases, retail agreements and pieces of the west-side waterfront that had been waiting patiently for the government to remember them.
