FDNY Responds To Roosevelt Island Electric Wheelchair Battery Catching Fire At Roosevelt Landing This Morning Shutting Down Main Street

A Roosevelt Island Tipster reported this morning:

Six fire trucks near Good Shepherd Plaza right now.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reported:

Main street traffic is shut down due to FDNY activity

8/17/24 Manhattan 10-77 Box 1945: 540 Main Street on Roosevelt Island

Battery fire on wheelchair, apartment 472

BC49 to MAN: Transmit the 10-77, we have an electric wheelchair on fire in apartment 472 with a heavy smoke condition

CIDS: 19-story… https://t.co/r8HFZvygCC

— Nycfire.net (@nycfire) August 17, 2024

I asked RIOC:

Do you have any info on the fire this morning at Roosevelt Landings?

I’m told that the cause was a battery fire from electric wheelchair?

Is that true? Were there any injuries?

RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Anthony Amoroso replied:

There was a fire at Roosevelt Landings this morning.

FDNY responded and handled the situation, it was an electric wheelchair but not sure exactly what caused the fire ( not sure if it was battery related).

There were No injuries and the maintenance People from Roosevelt Landings were on scene. Condition was corrected.

Sorry FD did not go into exactly what was the cause with the wheelchair.

According to a FDNY spokesperson:

540 MAIN ST BET WEST RD & ROOSEVELT ISLAND,MN

Call rec @ 0955

Report of fire/smoke

19 story multiple dwelling

Small fire on the 4th floor

Under control at 1022 hrs.

No injuries

Cause is under investigation

A Roosevelt Landings resident says a building employee's car parked in the 540 breezeway blocked FDNY access to the back of the building. According to the Roosevelt Landings resident:

Fire in 540 this morning. An electric wheelchair battery went ablaze.

Fortunately, no injures.

This morning, the fire was at the back of the building, normally accessed by FDNY through the back entrance. That didn't happen this morning because a building worker's car was blocking the fire lane. FDNY had to enter by the Main Street door.

We were fortunate that this fire was not more dangerously engaged, or the result of a heart attack or stroke incident.

I'd really like to know what the emergency was that required the car to be parked on a Saturday morning at 10 AM?

Today's Roosevelt Landings wheelchair battery fire

could have been much worse.

During Current Roosevelt Island Red Bus Crisis, Residents Pleasantly Surprised Last Night To Find The MTA Running A Subway Shuttle Bus On The Red Bus Route - But RIOC Does Not Expect The MTA Shuttle Bus To Continue

As previously reported, due to maintenance issues only 1 of 5 Roosevelt Island Red Buses are currently working. Roosevelt Island residents are experiencing long waiting times and overcrowding when the only working Red Bus does arrive at their stop.

Last night, there was some hope that help was on the way for Roosevelt Island bus riders.

About 6 PM last night,  I started receiving reports that the MTA was running a Roosevelt Island subway shuttle on the Red Bus route. A Tipster shared this photo of the MTA Bus Subway shuttle in front of the Octagon building.

Another resident reported last night:

I am on an MTA bus that is operating as a Red Bus. The sign says Subway Shuttle.

Other residents commented:

We can confirm this. Last night waiting for the Red Bus, the MTA Subway shuttle bus came along.

and:

MTA trying to redeem themselves for what they put us through when the F was out lol

and:

That would be awesome, if they can make that happen until this crisis passes.

A spokesperson for Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Liz Krueger added:

Senator Krueger has spoken directly to MTA Chair Janno Lieber about the Red Bus situation. She hopes the MTA can assist in expediting the Red Bus order since the MTA orders buses from the same company —and as Liz reports the MTA is its number one customer. 

 That’s great IF MTA is supplying buses until the new ones arrive. Again—she’s definitely had more than one conversation with Mr. Lieber. He said he’d try to get MTA buses here on loan—and he did ; much faster than she thought would be possible!

But, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Department Director Bryant Daniels reported today:

We’ve had some very productive conversations with the MTA this week, and last evening they were able to send an extra bus over to the island to help with supplemental service for a brief period. It was a nice favor that was contingent on the bus being available, and though it’s not something we anticipate will continue, we are incredibly grateful for their assistance, which has also extended to helping with our fleet’s maintenance needs.

As of now, hopes are dashed for more buses to supplement 

the one working Roosevelt Island Red Bus.

Perhaps better news coming next week.

UPDATE 8/24  - RIOC sent out this Red Bus advisory on Friday August 23:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

We are still only running 1 Red Bus on the island due to ongoing maintenance issue. We anticipate this will remain the case well into next week. We understand this has been deeply frustrating, but our team is working as hard as we can to restore more service soon.

This is a reminder that we have made the following temporary changes to service given our fleet limitations:

1. Shorten the Red Bus Route: Rather than go around the Cornell Tech lawn down to Southpoint Park, the Bus now turns right at North Loop Road before heading back north.

2. The bus will however run down to Southpoint Park from 6-11PM this Saturday (8/24) for our final Summer Movies in the park.

3. We are ending late-night service daily at 1am, when ridership is low, to help reduce stress on the bus.

4. The weekly Shoppers Red Bus will be suspended until further notice.

Again, these changes have been made on a temporary basis to help keep our bus service running. PSD has increased patrols in mass transit areas and Southpoint Park while these changes are in effect, and we are encouraging Red Bus users to please prioritize elderly and disabled riders first when boarding the bus.

We would also like to continue encouraging island residents to download the Transit app, which now has tracking for our Red Buses, to help inform decision making prior to travel. Please note that this system remains in its beta testing phase, so we apologize if you encounter any glitches.

We sincerely apologize for these issues and will continue to work as quickly as we can to restore full service.

-The RIOC Executive Team

Last Chance To Get Your Tickets For Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Musical Production Of The Wind In The Willows By Our Local Jonathan & Kimbirdlee Fadner Husband & Wife Team - Performances Thursday August 15 To Sunday August 18

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According to the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA):

On Thursday, August 15th, 2024, Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance’s Make-a-Musical Summer Program will present “The Wind in the Willows”, a staged premiere of a new musical by Jonathan Fadner and Kimbirdlee Fadner. “The Wind in the Willows’ is based on the classic novel by Kenneth Grahame and takes place in a mythical countryside where humanity and animals connect. There will be four performances on Aug 15, 16 and 17 at 7pm and Aug 18 at 3pm. The show takes place in the Howe Theatre at 548 Main St on Roosevelt Island. Tickets can be found at MSTDA’s website and can also be purchased at the Box Office 30 minutes prior to the start of the show each day. 

MSTDA’s Make-a-Musical program is dedicated to creating and producing new theatrical works in New York City. “The Wind in the Willows” joins an impressive list of musicals launched by the Fadner team that includes full length musicals “The Monkey King, a Kung Fu Musical,” “The Ghosts All Around You,” “Book About Life,” and numerous one act musicals co-created with the Make-a-Musical kids!

“Our original production of Wind in the Willows was cut short and made virtual by Covid 19 back in 2020. This show is all about community and sticking together to see each other through tough times. Perseverance in the face of obstacles, and protecting the people and the community that you call home. MSTDA has been that for me for the last 9 years, and working on Wind in The Willows has brought back all the memories of sticking together and hunkering down with our theater community in the midst of a lockdown. I am so honored to have these young actors putting life into this story and so thankful for their efforts! I'm so grateful to be part of a community that helps me tell these stories.” - Jonathan Fadner (Writer/Composer/Director)

Jonathan Fadner also builds the set and props for “The Wind in the Willows,” arranges and records musical demos with his wife Kimbirdlee, and works with his own two children, Jack and Charlie and a cast of 14 talented young actors to bring this heartwarming musical to life. He works alongside a creative team that includes long-time MSTDA staff Jeanne Castagnaro (Costume Designer), Zackry Childers (Lighting Designer), Kimbirdlee Fadner (Music Consultant), Tanya Starace (Set Designer and Board Secretary) and Isaiah Reynolds (Choreographer). The team is excited to welcome Louise Wang, a talented and dedicated teen intern who performed with the Children’s and Teen Theatre for many years, in her debut as Production Stage Manager. The team is rounded out by Ben Hill as Assistant Director and another bright and promising young intern, Micah Silverman as Costume Assistant.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and Roosevelt island Operating Corporation Public Purpose Funds Grant.” Video from a live preview performance at the Roosevelt Island Public Library.

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Jonathan Fadner shows up how be built a boat for the set of The Wind In The Willows.

Purchase tickets and more info here.

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Get your tickets here.

Update On Roosevelt Island Red Bus Debacle, RIOC Reduces Service Hours Of The 1 Red Bus Currently Working And Shortens Route For At Least Next 2 Weeks - No Red Bus Service Between 11:30 AM To 12:30 PM And After 1 AM

As reported yesterday, there is only 1 of 5 Roosevelt Island Red buses in service until further notice. 

The news did not get any better today. The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced this evening another reduction of Red Bus service for Roosevelt Island residents.

According to RIOC:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

We are still currently running with only 1 Red Bus on the island due to ongoing maintenance issues and we expect this to remain the case for at least the next 2 weeks. We are exploring all options to bring additional buses to the island, but for now it’s imperative that we do what we can to preserve the bus in operation.

To that end, we have decided to make the following temporary changes starting tomorrow, Thursday (8/15):

Shorten the Red Bus Route: 

• Rather than go around the Cornell Tech lawn down to Southpoint Park, the Bus will now turn right at North Loop Road before heading back north. This should also shorten wait times for riders along Main Street. The bus will however run down to Southpoint Park from 6-11PM this Saturday (8/17) and the following Saturday (8/24) for our final 2 Summer Movies in the park.

We will be ending late-night service at 1am, when ridership is low, to help reduce stress on the bus.

After morning rush hour, from 11:30am-12:30pm the bus will be taken off the road for refueling and maintenance. It will also give the engine a chance to cool down. 

• Riders should prioritize using the Q102 bus during this one-hour time period.

The weekly Shoppers Red Bus will be suspended until further notice.

Again, these changes will be made on a temporary basis to help keep our bus running. PSD will increase patrols in mass transit areas and Southpoint Park while these changes are in effect, and we are encouraging Red Bus users to please prioritize elderly and disabled riders first when boarding the bus.

The one bus currently on the road will be running on a “load and go” basis to try and keep people moving. You can currently track the Red Bus using the Transit app (RIOC is in the beta testing phase of this bus tracking, but it is live for the public to see) so we encourage folks to download this free app and check the bus location on the island before departing.

We sincerely apologize for these issues and will continue to work as quickly as we can to restore full service.

-The RIOC Executive Team

A resident shares photo of 4 Roosevelt Island Red Buses at the Motorgate yard last Monday evening. 

These are all decommissioned non-working buses used for their spare parts for working Red Buses.

Click here for more information on the Roosevelt Island Red Bus debacle and the GPS Tracking app.

Only 1 Of 5 Roosevelt Island Red Buses Currently In Service, '"We're Sorry And Are Working As Hard As We Can To Restore Full Service As Quickly As Possible" Says RIOC - At Least Red Bus GPS Tracking Beta Testing Working Now

As reported last June 21:

RIOC Says 5 Roosevelt Island Red Buses Are Required For Daily Operations - Unforeseen Maintenance Issues Reduce Red Bus Fleet Currently To Only 2 In Service

Image From RIOC January 17,2024 Operations Advisory Committee Presentation

There is currently only one Roosevelt Island Red Bus operating.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced at approximately 9 PM last Saturday evening:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

We were informed this evening that one of our buses suffered a significant mechanical issue and needed to be taken off the road. Unfortunately, we are now down to one bus on Main Street and expect this to remain the case for the next several days, at a minimum.

We are under no illusions about how frustrating this situation is for island residents. We sincerely apologize for these issues and are working as hard as we can to restore full service as quickly as possible.

This is now the third bus that is currently inactive due to repair work. Our Red Bus fleet is aging, and the buses we have are running constantly. Though we have ordered two new buses, we don’t expect them to arrive on the island until the end of 2024/early 2025. For now, our Transportation team is doing its very best to keep things steady, but the situation is difficult.

The one bus currently on the road will be running on a “load and go” basis to try and keep people moving. You can currently track the Red Bus using the Transit app (RIOC is in the beta testing phase of this bus tracking, but it is live for the public to see) so we encourage folks to download this free app and check the bus location on the island before departing.

We are also encouraging riders to utilize the Q102 bus, which has free transfers for both the F-Train and Tram. The Q102 can also be tracked through the Transit app, an added benefit to downloading it.

When we have more details on when full service will be restored, we will be sure to share them with the community.

Sincerely,

The RIOC Executive Team

A Tipster reports the possibility of RIOC utilizing the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) bus on a temporary basis to supplement the Red Bus service.

A resident asks:

Will the Octagon increase their shuttle service?

Don't know the answer.

Another resident adds:

I've basically given up on using the Red Bus. It's unreliable at best and it seems like the RIOC doesn't even bother to communicate.

Other residents don't have the option to give up on the Red Bus. For many, the Red Bus is an essential transportation service on Roosevelt Island.

Temporarily leasing a bus was discussed during the May 1, 2024 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting. RIOC deemed the leasing price tag of $19 thousand a month for a required 12 months at $228 thousand annually to be price prohibitive.

Here's the discussion.

A Roosevelt Island resident using the nom de plume "Fed Up With RIOC" comments on RIOC temporarily leasing buses from the bus manufacturer as described in the Operations Committee meeting:

The incompetence of the past administration has to be replaced with creative problem solving. Going to the existing Bus vendor and asking them to be a solution provider makes no sense. We do not need state of the art buses to solve the pressing problem . The pressure on Island Residents will be reduced even if they leased a fleet of old school buses that run every 10 minutes...with the sole remaining red bus running as frequently as it can to accommodate our wheelchair bound neighbors and those who cannot climb stairs.

Hopefully there is room for creative thinking at RIOC and quick action.

Another proposed idea from a resident is borrowing a bus from the MTA?

More info on the Roosevelt Island Red Bus issue including RIOC Board approval to purchase 2 new Red Buses and how we got to the present situation at this prior post.      

Click here to get the Roosevelt Island Red Bus GPS Transit app.

Remember that the Red Bus GPS app is still in testing phase. According to RIOC:

The Red Bus tracking on the Transit app is still in its testing phase. We weren’t ready to announce it yet as we’re still working through some issues but given our latest bus troubles, we decided to mention it publicly as it can be a helpful tool for riders. 

But there are still bugs that we’re working through. Buses are outfitted with tracking devices; we aren’t using riders to do the tracking for us. Passenger counts on the app are always going to be approximate, but safely assume that with one bus running it’s going to be quite full. 

But give the Red Bus GPS a try. When the kinks are worked out, it will be very useful.

UPDATE 8/13 - A resident shares photo of 4 Roosevelt Island Red Buses at the Motorgate yard last evening.

These are all decommissioned non-working buses used for their spare parts for working Red Buses.