By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily
Happy August, friends! We’ve got some sweet news rolling in from RIOC. Starting this month, our beloved Red Bus is taking a new route, one that brings it right to the doorstep of Coler Hospital. This pilot program answers a long-standing request from residents, staff, and families who’ve been hoping for more accessible transit to the northern end of our island.
Overview:
Beginning Monday, August 18, 2025, the free RIOC Red Bus will extend service directly to the NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler entrance during weekday rush hours.
Details:
- What: Red Bus service extended to Coler Hospital (900 Main Street)
- When: Weekdays only
- Morning: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Afternoon: 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Where: Coler becomes the northernmost stop during these times
- Who: RIOC, Coler staff and residents, caregivers, and our community at large
- Why: To improve accessibility and provide a direct connection for staff, residents, and visitors
When the extended hours aren’t in effect, the Red Bus will continue to begin and end at the Octagon stop. The bus schedule itself remains unchanged; this is simply a shift in the endpoint during weekday rush hours.
Additional Information:
- David Weinstein, Interim CEO of Coler, called the change a “profound impact on the quality of life of staff, residents, and visitors.”
- Mary Cunneen, RIOC COO, emphasized that this extension has been requested for years and is finally becoming reality.
- Community member Petra Dominguez, who visits family at Coler, shared her joy: “It will be very convenient to see my family member. I’m very happy about it.”
Neighbors, if you or someone you know travels to Coler, be sure to share this update. Try out the new route beginning August 18 and let RIOC know what you think. After all, this is a pilot program—and community feedback is what makes these changes stick.
This is more than a shift in a bus route. It’s a reminder of how our island grows stronger when we listen, adapt, and support one another. Here’s to smoother rides and easier visits ahead.
For the official announcement and updates, visit rioc.ny.gov.
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