“Maskless tourists” on the Tram should not surprise anyone as cherry blossoms decorate Roosevelt Island. But either they surprised RIOC or they just don’t care as public safety officers, according to a Tram operator, no longer patrol the cabins.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
“Many maskless tourists” but no PSD
“RIOC defies logic, and it hurts,” our reader wrote in an email. “This week PSD no longer rides the tram,” confirmed a Tram employee.
“And oh, surprise! Upon arrival to Roosevelt Island, two officers were standing by the entrance idling and laughing with a friend.”
Although complaints like this became all too common in the past two COVID-wracked years, things changed in recent months. Tram riders consistently saw PSD officers riding in Tram cabins, enforcing mask rules. It was contagious. Operators were also firm when PSOs weren’t present.
But strangely, just as tourist volume jumped with cherry blossom season, the Public Safety Department’s deep thinkers figured it was time for shuffling back inside the office.
Taking things into her own hands, our reader – a senior – confronted the maskless tourists. Three put on masks, but “two others carried theirs as a necklace.”
Negligence has its say…
“Sad to say if you care to keep healthy as a very senior person,” she summed up, “better stay home away from bikes, motorized scooters, and overcrowded trams and red buses.”
RIOC and PSD will not be there for you. A sad fact of life for Roosevelt Island.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
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- 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.
Lance A. Polivy, Vice President for Legal Affairs
I do not usually write ahead of the week’s rhythm. Fridays suit an old woman. They allow time for tea, rereading, and the small mercy of correcting one’s own excessive cleverness. But this cannot wait for Friday.
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