Hopes that Tram cabin swinging incidents are over faded last week when another was reported on Thursday. “I was on the Tram again yesterday (around 7:20 p.m.), the south Tram, and it did another of those really bad stop-swings on the descent down to the Roosevelt Island side,” a reader reported.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
When the latest in a months-long series of Tram cabin swinging out of control incidents occurred, it was striking that no one official reported it. That’s troubling. At a minimum, Tram operators Leitner-POMA should have alerted Public Safety, but PSD – not surprisingly – did not make any report.
But it’s not all bad because, however belatedly, RIOC‘s official spokesperson provided The Daily with a comprehensive and open response.
“As you noted, the Department of Labor (DOL) had been working with Tram personnel, at the request of Assembly Member Seawright, to assess safety concerns with the Tram following the swaying incidents we’ve recently experienced,” Communications Director Bryant Daniels wrote.
“Separate and apart, Tram operator Leitner-POMA has also been doing their own investigation into the issues that have caused the swaying episodes.”
“On the DOL front, their analysis called for two specific action items: the replacement of the current swing dampeners on the cabins, and the addition of new signage on the cabin doors reminding riders of the importance of “holding on at all times” during the tram ride.
“That signage has already been installed; the swing dampeners, which help to reduce swaying even instances when there are emergency stops, are on order from POMA France.”
“Tram safety really is the most important thing for us,” Daniels wrote. It’s a common refrain and usually no more true than it is now. Immediately following with a defense of Leitner-POMA wasn’t convincing.
But this, as well-meaning as RIOC may be, took the cake:
“We’re confident in that, and so is POMA. But until we have the swaying issue fully resolved, riders should be especially mindful of the need to hold on during the ride, as infrequent as these episodes may be. Tram operators make that announcement, and the new signage is another reminder of its importance.” (emphasis ours)
That’s simply untrue. Rarely if ever do Tram cabin operators say anything, let alone advise holding on. Two trips today confirmed that. One operator was totally mute; the other, silent about holding on.
Perhaps RIOC is too eager to accept Leitner-POMA’s claims. In reality, it seems more like their employees lack both supervision or guidance on how they present themselves in representing RIOC.
Tram Cabin Swinging, Not Just Unsafe, But Also Expensive
While RIOC’s spokesman exudes confidence in Leitner-POMA, no one’s denying that the company’s evasions brought NYS Department of Labor inspectors who recommended changes that Leitner-POMA should have made on their own.
While Leitner-POMA’s service contract pulls down over $5 million annually from Roosevelt Islanders, something’s missing. RIOC loses money on Tram operations because of that cost, yet on this month’s board meeting agenda, there’s this:
- Authorization to Enter into Contract with Hardesty & Hanover for Engineering Consulting Services for the Tram
Why are we paying for this?
RIOC says, “POMA-Leitner has an 80-year history of managing these types of trams and their record is sterling.”
Then, why are we paying for additional help? Shouldn’t that fall on Leitner-POMA? Aren’t we paying for their expertise?
Once again, the deep pockets of Roosevelt Islanders may be getting picked to cover for yet one more failure. Maybe someone at the board meeting will ask. At the last opportunity for communicating, board member Fay Christian slammed the door on public questions. No one was allowed to bring up the lingering Tram safety issues for discussion.
Maybe a more responsible community member will now raise these questions.
Emergency Without Urgency
When government invokes the word “emergency,” normal process changes. Timelines accelerate. Environmental review can narrow. Procurement pathways can shift.
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