This page will be frequently updated, reflecting the current status of local transportation options. This a service of the Roosevelt Island Daily News.

August 21st, 2024

Roosevelt Island Tram

The Tram is currently in full operation with both cabins running.

The Tram now participates in the MTA MetroCard system as well as OMNY, including free transfers between it and MTA buses and subway.

The normal schedule is every fifteen minutes on the quarter hour, except during rush hours when cabins run every 7 1/2 minutes.

During tourist season, demand brings crowding and long lines for boarding Tram cabins, and there have been multiple instances of cabins swinging wildly out of control. We recommend caution in using the Tram as RIOC has been unable to manage overcrowding or explain the frightening swinging incicents.

MTA Subway, F-Train, Roosevelt Island Station

F Trains service Roosevelt Island in both directions, although changes are made when construction or repairs are planned, usually on weekends.

• Is Riding the New York City Subway Safe?

Platforms in both directions are ADA compliant with functioning elevators. Escalators at all levels are of varying reliability, sometimes forcing long climbs on stairways. If at all uncertain or of limited mobility, take an elevator.

Click here for up-to-date information on all MTA subway lines.

RIOC Red Buses

RIOC’s Red Bus services, with routes covering Main Street from The Octagon (888 Main Street) are in crisis. Its fleet has dropped to as few as one in operation when five are needed for full services. Frequent breakdowns, overcrowding and reduced services are a continuing issue.

An inadequate number of new buses have been ordered but will not arrive until early 2025. In the meantime, RIOC is bereft of viable solutions for meeting the crisis.

NYC Ferry

• RIOC’s Environmental Misconduct: Small Animal Poisoning and Organizational Dishonesty
• RIOC Midday Governance Committee Meeting and Board Executive Session
• Roosevelt Island Transit: How To Get Where You Want
• Roosevelt Island Red Bus Crisis: What To Expect and Why
• Racism on the Red Bus: Lost and Found or Left Behind?

NYC Ferry brings full-time service to Roosevelt Island on the Astoria Line. Connections are available for all city boroughs, except Staten Island. Current routes and schedules for the Astoria line serving Roosevelt Island are here.

Latest news for Roosevelt Island

• 
  The East River’s Secret Life: Understanding Our Tidal StraitDecember 23, 2025
  By Ericka O’Connell, The Beat, Roosevelt Island Daily Friends, many of us have stood along the promenade and watched the water swirl in one direction, then twist back the other way, almost like it has a personality of its own….
• 
  Reminder: Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony — Friday, December 5, 2025December 5, 2025
  Hello friends and neighbors! Our favorite seasonal tradition is just around the corner — the tree lighting at Meditation Lawn is happening today on Friday, December 5 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.Let’s gather, shine together, and welcome the holiday glow! What’s going on Details you’ll…
• 
  City and State Launch Major Planning Effort for Roosevelt Island, Extend Key LeaseNovember 17, 2025
  By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Hello, friends—today brings one of the most consequential announcements we’ve seen in years. The City of New York and the State of New York have unveiled a sweeping initiative to secure our long-term stability…
• 
  Light Up the Lawn: Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting CeremonyNovember 11, 2025
  By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Our favorite sparkle-on-the-lawn tradition is back. The Roosevelt Island Tree Lighting Ceremony brings the community together for music, treats, and that first big glow of the season at Meditation Lawn. According to RIOC’s event calendar, this…
• 
  Roosevelt Island Update: What the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is Saying About the F/M Train SwitchNovember 10, 2025
  By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Hello, neighbors. We’ve got fresh information from the MTA about the upcoming swap of the F train and M train routes — and it’s time to take a closer look so we know what’s coming here…