Roosevelt Islanders face a tram access nightmare, as RIOC ignores demands for priority access. Assembly Member Seawright’s backing stirs hope, but will action follow?
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
A months long struggle for improvements in Tram access earns a significant new voice today. Roosevelt Islanders are not alone.
Lines of tourists trail through the Tram Plaza and beyond. This blocks access for Roosevelt Islanders depending on the Tram for basic transportation.
With Island House resident Paul Krikler rallying locals to the cause, thousands have signed a petition calling for priority access. The needs are obvious, but RIOC stubbornly resists change. RIOC rationales are as leaky as are resident frustrations.
But another Voice for Priority Tram Access is now onboard
Today, State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright shared The Daily a statement she sent to RIOC’s interim leadership:
“I strongly favor RIOC adopting an action plan that prioritizes access to residents of Roosevelt Island,” she writes.
“The Tram is essential to the transportation of needs of the community. There are numerous categories of people who rely on the Tram, including those with disabilities, senior citizens, workers in all fields, parents and school-age children. Whether it is used for transportation to a medical appointment or a place of business, the Tram is a vital mode of transportation.
“While we welcome visitors to enjoy the vibrant life and attractions of Roosevelt Island, a plan is needed that will result in a reduction of wait time and an improved schedule that recognizes resident’s usage.
“In the past, we have successfully advocated for ways to address transportation issues, including the expansion of RIOC’s Red Bus service to ameliorate sharp service reductions. Similarly, we fought hard to ensure an F train shuttle during the Direct Track Fixation repairs last year.
“Now is the time for RIOC to step up and present an action plan that fully prioritizes resident use of the Tram.”
Touching All the bases
In the last couple of years, Seawright also played a critical and successful role in bringing OMNY to the Tram. With RIOC and Tram operator Leitner-POMA adrift in evasions, Seawright sought help from the Department of Labor. They stepped in, assisting RIOC/POMA in reducing terrifying swinging incidents putting cabin passengers at risk.
Perhaps her intervention now can hasten an effective resolution the the Tram access crisis.
The Emergency Was Always Underground
The steam plant and the steam tunnel were never two problems. They were one system. They were only separated later, when separating them made development easier and responsibility harder to pin down.
