RIOC’s vaunted Communications Team failed to tell you, but the Tram is back at full service. The change occurred on Monday, and the news spread by word of mouth.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The Roosevelt Island Tram: Back at Full Service
It’s anyone’s guess why RIOC’s overstaffed Communications and Community Relations Team couldn’t pull together a short notice on Monday. But as the week started, full service Tram operations did too.
But there’s more.
First, because of the COVID surge, RIOC is now limiting passengers to 55 per cabin. There’s no apparent rationale for this change, and it’s way too high for social distancing. With help from Public Safety and operator enforcement,though, masking is well-enforced.
For the future…
The recently completed work is just the first of three phases that will require shutdowns. Mechanical work on the pulleys is done, but track rope replacement and floor work are ahead. Neither has been scheduled yet, and the likelihood is that RIOC will hold off until spring.
We will keep you posted.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Get Answers on 2027 ChangesMedicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Sen. Krueger’s Nov. 16 virtual town hall covers 2027 premium, deductible and Part D changes, with a HIICAP expert’s Q&A.
- Wednesday’s PSD blotter: two medical calls, a water leak, a custody reportRIOC’s Nov. 11 PSD blotter lists 10 incidents, all on Main Street, including two medical calls at 555 Main Street, a water leak at 560 Main and a custody or visitation report.
- Six-Unit Apartment Building Planned for 10th Street in AstoriaPlans for a six-unit apartment building in Astoria call for four stories at 35-25 10th St. See proposed dimensions, apartment sizes and permit status.
- Tuesday’s PSD blotter: noise calls, a harassment reportRIOC’s Nov. 10 PSD blotter lists 15 incidents, all on Main Street, including four noise complaints, a harassment report and one hospital transport.
- Queens Public Library Ransomware Attack: Digital Services Still DisruptedThe Queens Public Library ransomware attack continues to disrupt public computers, digital books and online services, with no confirmed restoration date.
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You Can’t Be All Three
April 9, 2026, during the full board meeting of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, Fay Christian said something that should have landed harder than it did. She wished RIOC were not responsible for the tram. Then she asked what it would look like if it were given to the MTA. That was not a passing comment.













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