Routinely negligent, RIOC gambles with safety, absent and irresponsible as riders without face masks jam onto busy Tram cabins. Mostly tourists, which the soulless state agency covets, boarded without interference on Saturday.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
“A PSD officer boarded the Tram on Roosevelt Island, confirming that everyone wore a mask, and the operator reminded everyone to mask up,” our reader wrote.
“But the opposite happens on the Manhattan side. A lot of riders do not mask up. There is no PSD presence, and the operator says nothing.”
RIOC gambles with safety…
Repeated reports show RIOC taking a leisurely approach to public safety on Red Buses. Face mask enforcement is spotty and uneven as the coronavirus Delta variant swells infection rates.
But because tourists add to crowded Tram conditions, especially on weekends, there’s greater risk for everyone. But no evidence suggests RIOC’s even dimly aware.
Each five minute float across the East River poses the threat of a super spreader event, which RIOC continues taking lightly.
Either that or they’re ignorant of the hazards, but maybe it’s some of both.
RIOC gambles with safety, even as risks increase for infections, leaving residents helpless.
And some furious, but at a loss over what to do about it.
The state agency is an expensive demand on local incomes, but the return on investment is poor. The public safety department alone, in fact, rings up an annual $4 million charge on residents.
With few signs of earning it.
Buttressing an effete board of directors, already failing at meeting legal residency requirements, elected officials also take a hands-off approach toward Governor Cuomo’s minions.
Few options remain for local protections against COVID.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- What’s New Across Western Queens: Safety, Community, and Spring at Our DoorstepExplore what’s new across Western Queens this week, including safety updates, casino developments, real estate, and local dining—news that shapes Roosevelt Island life.
- A Full Week Across the River: How Roosevelt Island and Queens Lives IntersectA full week across the river shows how life on Roosevelt Island connects with Queens—covering public safety, legal updates, G train disruptions, and neighborhood events.
- Roosevelt Island Weekly Recap: Community Life, Local News, and Everyday ConnectionsOur Roosevelt Island weekly recap covers local news, community events, and the threads of daily life connecting neighbors on and off the island.
- Queens News Highlights and Roosevelt Island Community ConnectionsExplore the week’s Queens news highlights and Roosevelt Island community connections, from public safety to housing, historic places, and local events.
- How Queens News Shapes Life on Roosevelt Island This WeekExplore how Queens news shapes life on Roosevelt Island, from major fire responses to local court cases and housing initiatives, reflecting the rhythms and routines of our shared city life.
As the Dust Settles
The way the wind cuts across the river this time of year. The way older buildings hold heat but never quite hold air. I told myself that was why my chest felt tight again on certain mornings. Age, perhaps.
