RIOC Explains Causes For Roosevelt Island Tram Service Disruption Earlier This Week - Problem With Communication Antenna and Entrance Sensor Now Fixed

Image of Tram Workers Fixing Communications System

Reported earlier this week on Roosevelt Island Tram service interruptions. The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) provides the following explanation:

There were two separate and unrelated events which occurred this week resulting in an interruption in Tram service.

On Monday, May 23rd at approximately 3:48 PM, the North Cabin lost communication with its WIFI antenna causing the cabin to pause between towers 2 and 3. The WIFI antenna is a wireless communication link that Tram operators use to send and receive information from the control room to the cabins. The connectors to the WIFI antenna, located on top of tower 3, became loose due to occasional vibration of the towers caused by high winds from the recent severe weather. The issue was resolved by 6:48 PM and rush hour service was resumed.

The second event occurred on the morning of Tuesday, May 24th at 7:38 AM. The South Cabin experienced problems with the Entrance Sensor on the Manhattan side station. The Entrance Sensor pinpoints the cabins location as it enters and departs from each Tram Plaza station and guides the Tram staff to operate the cabin at the appropriate speed for safe docking. A faulty wire connection to the Entrance Sensor caused the circuit breaker to trip in the electrical panel. The problem was addressed and service was resumed at 10:00 AM.

It is important for our Tram personnel to take the necessary precautions to remedy any issue related to the Tram and its service in order to ensure the safety of our passengers and proper operation of the Tram.

Image of Tram Workers Fixing Communications System