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
- Fatal Stabbing on J Train at Woodhaven Boulevard Spurs Subway Safety Concerns in QueensA fatal stabbing on J train at Woodhaven Boulevard raises fresh subway safety concerns in Queens, as NYPD investigates and riders reflect on recent incidents.
- 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.
Before the Door Closed
The May 14 RIOC board meeting began with public concern over the steam plant and ended with two votes that revealed more than any report could. Some meetings announce themselves by what is said. This one announced itself by what the room permitted to move and what it stopped before it could breathe.
