Breach Of Line Etiquette Causes Roosevelt Island Tram Pushing And Shoving Altercation With Tourists Causing Cabin To Return To Station Yesterday

The Roosevelt Island Tram has become a tourist destination

Are you going to #NYC and want to get an amazing view but don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet. Take the @rooseveltisland tram, an icon of @nycgo, to get a view like this for only $2.75. That’s correct, you heard me right. Be sure to check it out next time you’re in NY! pic.twitter.com/L5mSePjZTk

— Stephen Underwood (@StephenDayTrips) June 26, 2018

bringing more and more long lines and crowded cabins, particularly in recent weeks as only one cabin has been in opearation . For example this recent line.

Sometimes, tempers get raised while waiting on line.

A tipster reported yesterday that:

... a multi-person fight broke out on the Tram.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson explains what happened:

During the 7:15 p.m. Tram trip from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan on Saturday there was an altercation between two different groups in the tram cabin that forced the driver to reverse the trip and return to the Island where Public Safety Department (PSD) officers responded.

No arrests were made after the officers investigated what happened. From witness statements and interviews of the two parties - one couple and a tourist family group of nine people from Rhode Island - the altercation concerned boarding etiquette and involved pushing and shoving among the parties. Once the Tram arrived back at Roosevelt Island, PSD isolated the parties and took statements. There were no reported injuries. No arrests were made, however an incident report was prepared and filed at PSD.

The Tram resumed service at 7:30 p.m.

Some Roosevelt Islanders have suggested a separate, residents only Tram line.

At Least 2 More Weeks Of Long Lines For Single Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin In Service - RIOC Announces Roosevelt Island Tram Platform Renovation Project Delayed Due To Rainy Weather https://t.co/vEf2tvwtPI pic.twitter.com/sS5HwXR5qg

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) June 13, 2018

They should have a residents priority line. And bikes and backpacks should be banned until the work is finished.

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) June 13, 2018

I'm not sure but considering the summer of 2018 is turning into #EscapefromRI what with the tram madness and the helix repair situation, there's gotta be a way to cut residents a break! 😩

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) June 13, 2018

RIOC could issue RI ID’s at their office after a resident shows their drivers license/ electric bill/ rental agreement. Like NY City ID but for RI. Then two lines and RI residents scan/ show ID....

— HEL2NYC (@NYTTYTTYY) June 13, 2018

Both Tram Cabins are scheduled to be back in service tomorrow afternoon.

UPDATE 4:50 - Clarification, incident took place on the line and not in cabin.