What Happened To Social Distancing On Roosevelt Island Tram? Way Too Crowded Cabin Today, Irresponsible And Dangerous Say Residents - Give Priority Tram Access To Residents And Workers Suggested

AS previously reported, according to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Tram Passenger Limits

As the region begins to reopen and more people return to work, the tram will have more riders. The tram operator has the discretion to allow an increase in the stated thirteen passenger limit based on conditions at a given time. If you feel a tram car is too crowded, we encourage you to wait for the next one. If you see an unsafe condition, please notify a the tram operator or a Public Safety Officer or call PSD directly at 212-832-4545.

Yesterday afternoon, passengers were maintaining social distance while waiting for the Tram at the Roosevelt Island station.

View this post on Instagram

Wear your face mask on Roosevelt Island Tram. 13 Rider passenger limit on Tram but Operator has discretion to allow more.

A post shared by @ rooseveltislander on Aug 14, 2020 at 1:31pm PDT

But today:

Crowded Roosevelt Island Tran cabin this afternoon. Tram operator has discretion to allow more than 13 passenger social distance capacity limit but this seems too many people. Mostly visitors.

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Crowded Roosevelt Island Tran cabin this afternoon. Tram operator has discretion to allow more than 13 passenger social distance capacity limit but this seems too many people. Mostly visitors.

A post shared by @ rooseveltislander on Aug 15, 2020 at 11:51am PDT

Comments from Roosevelt Island residents:

• Way to many !
• That’s not good
• so upsetting. i can’t believe this is allowed.
• Anecdotally, mask wearing here is worse than in Manhattan. People come here on the tram and immediately remove their masks. We don’t do that when we do essential errands in Manhattan. (I do think residents here wear masks at a much higher rate.)
• Seems unsafe.
• This is irresponsible and dangerous! Not acceptable!
• Perhaps giving residents a special lane would be advisable. Afford priority access to those who live and work here. Sort of a "Fast Pass" system.

UPDATE 8/17:

@B3NJITO @ieh_nyc I agree this is unacceptable-but since you pay with a metrocard, doesn't this fall under the enforcement of the @MTA as well? The responsibility also falls on the riders to. #rooseveltisland #Manhattan

— Jonn Nubian ® (@JonnNubian) August 16, 2020

I was there around 3pm and it was so bad I called the Public Safety to complain. I counted thirty getting on the tram to Manhattan.

— Nidhi Srinivas (@NidhiSrinivas_) August 16, 2020

Doesn't RIOC enforce the limits they themselves set?

— Rubén B. (@motxilo) August 16, 2020

I appreciate that everyone seems to be wearing a mask, but this is piss-poor leadership/management. WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP on this Island.

— Love Not Hate (@ieh_nyc) August 16, 2020

Yikes - this is alarming footage!

— Chris Sosa (@ChrisSosa) August 16, 2020