Here We Go Again - Roosevelt Island Tram Operating Only 1 Cabin For Up To 4 Weeks Starting Monday March 25 For Part 2 Of Tram Overhaul Project, Rope Relocation Finished, Gear Box Overhaul Begins

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised that starting Monday, March 25th, the Tram will be operating with only one cabin in service. This work is expected to last up to four weeks, alternating between the North and South cabins. The Tram entry/exit patterns, elevator service, and MetroCard machine availability will not be affected.

How will my commute be affected? 

During this phase of the required maintenance project, only one Tram will be in operation. Please plan for additional travel time when commuting during this period. 

What are my travel alternatives?

Red Bus Shuttle service will be available to and from the Manhattan Tram Station every weekday from 4 PM to 8:30 PM, beginning from the R.I. Tram Station. 

Red Bus Shuttle pick-up locations:

Manhattan: Southwest corner of 58th St. and 2nd Ave.        

Roosevelt Island: Tram Station Plaza

MTA subway F line (mta.info) and the NYC Ferry service (ferry.nyc) are available to and from Manhattan. Please check websites regularly for service changes and disruptions during this construction period.

Q102 MTA bus service is also an option to connect to Midtown Manhattan-bound trains at Queensboro Plaza. 

Why is this work happening? 

The Roosevelt Island Tram project consisted of two major maintenance updates: rope relocations and gearbox overhauls. The project is now entering into its final phase with the gearbox overhauls, which is expected to last four weeks. This required work is to ensure the safest transportation system possible and to extend its service life into the future.

We thank the community for your patience throughout this project.

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal described the Tram Overhaul Project during her March 7 Community Report to the RIOC Board of Directors.