No Roosevelt Island F Train Service To Manhattan This President's Day Weekend - Resident Reports Being Told By MTA Staff That Protection Barricades To Be Installed At Roosevelt Island Subway Platform

According to the MTA, there will be no Roosevelt Island F train service to Manhattan this President's Day weekend from 11:45 pm Friday, February 14 to 5:00 am Tuesday February 18.

Also, a Tipster reported  last Monday morning:

I was on the Roosevelt Island just now and met the MTA staff. Was happily presuming they were tracking the F train schedule.... but No. They are installing barricades on the platform to prevent accidents. I wonder how that will impact our rush hour? I told them the government should spend more money on mental health support.

I asked the MTA: 

I'm told the MTA is planning on installing subway platform protection barricades at the Roosevelt Island F Train station.

Is that true?

When will they be installed? Where will they be installed? On the entire station or just a portion of the station? What is the cost?

Please let me know if the MTA has any statement on the matter.

An MTA spokesperson replied:

I can’t confirm that information at this time.

NY Governor Kathy Hochul announced January 14: 

... Governor Hochul will provide the funding to install platform edge barriers at more than 100 additional stations by the end of 2025. The selection of stations for the installation process will prioritize feasibility, including stations with standard car-stopping positions in segments of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, F, M and L trains. Among these train lines, stations with higher ridership levels and island platforms will be prioritized....

As previously reported, last December 18 a man slipped on the Roosevelt Island F Train subway station Queens bound platform and suffered a severed leg when hit by an oncoming F train.

Don't Worry About Rosie The Roosevelt Island Turkey, She's Doing Fine Strolling Along Main Street This Winter And Flying Up To Her Nightly Nesting Tree

Some residents start getting nervous when they don't see Rosie The Roosevelt Island Turkey out and about the neighborhood for a few days and worry about how she handling the cold and snow this winter.

Rosie is a wild animal. By all reports, she is doing fine.

Here are some recent Rosie sighings.

February 12

Winter turkey #birdcpp pic.twitter.com/Taeu7E1R0g

— Hanabi (@Hanabi_NYC) February 13, 2025

February 11

Industrious bird heading to an important appointment#birdcpp pic.twitter.com/7KuFCVsX5m

— Hanabi (@Hanabi_NYC) February 12, 2025

“Let me practice before class starts.” #birdcpp pic.twitter.com/yOmAsLo7ak

— Hanabi (@Hanabi_NYC) February 11, 2025

February 8

Astoria the Roosevelt Island Turkey #birdcpp pic.twitter.com/r4V9BFugqd

— Hanabi (@Hanabi_NYC) February 8, 2025

“NO !!!!!” pic.twitter.com/5lIMpFT8BR

— Hanabi (@Hanabi_NYC) February 7, 2025

A family we know who live on Roosevelt Island call her Rosie (sp?). @Above96th pic.twitter.com/WoAjBXfsg9

— Leo Wong (@LeoTheLess) February 9, 2025

Yes, some know her as Rosie! We named her Astoria before she surprised us by flying to Roosevelt Island.

— Manhattan Bird Alert (@BirdCentralPark) February 10, 2025

Maybe it will find some seeds while pecking on that dead plant? The wild turkey at Roosevelt Island fr this morning. #wildturkey pic.twitter.com/qOB7kgHSfY

— Gigi A (@gigi_nyc) February 9, 2025

"Astoria, you are cleared for takeoff." Well after sunset, Roosevelt Island's Wild Turkey flies up to her favorite tree where she can enjoy a safe and restful night. 🦃 ❤️ 💤 pic.twitter.com/x7QbynhXDT

— Manhattan Bird Alert (@BirdCentralPark) February 6, 2025

Today In History, In 1969 NYC Mayor Lindsay Announced Creation Of A Corporation To Develop "Welfare" Now Roosevelt Island - Watch 1966 Video Documentary About Welfare Island, 167 Acres Of Ruin And Shame.

According to the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse (X):

Today in 1969 Mayor Lindsay announced that he would form a public corporation to develop parks, recreation facilities, and housing to replace the decaying structures on Welfare Island - known as Roosevelt Island today #ThisDayInHistory pic.twitter.com/Rgg6kj5FwA

— NYC Dept of Records (@nycrecords) February 12, 2025

The history of the island's name, from the city council parks committee report attached to Local Law 49 of 1973, which changed the island's name from Welfare Island to Roosevelt Island: pic.twitter.com/35Wux6jtFT

— Daniel Golliher 🗽 (@danielgolliher) February 8, 2025

Watch this 1966 documentary, Welfare Island: Blight Of A City. 167 acres of ruin and shame.

 

Times have changed for Roosevelt Island.

After Last Sunday's Snow, Roosevelt Island Parents And Kids Told That Sledding Not Allowed On Cornell Tech Campus Hilltops - That's Not Very Neighborly, What's The Deal?

For the last several years, the Cornell Tech campus hilltops have become a favorite spot for Roosevelt Island kids and their families to go sledding after a snowstorm as shown here from a few weeks ago.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt (@rooseveltislander)

But after last Sunday's snow, Roosevelt Island kids and parents expecting to enjoy another fun day of sledding were instead told by a security guard that sledding was not allowed on the Cornell Tech campus hilltops. 

According to one parent: 

... we are sledding right now and have been kindly inform by a Cornell employee that it’s not allowed and to move to the park...

and another parent adds:

The guy from Cornell explained that a kid had hurt his head against one of the lighting posts, blood everywhere, police was called... long story short, parents sued Cornell... and won. They were awarded $2.5 million.

Later on Sunday a third parent reported:

I'm at the Cornell Hills and there are lots of families sledding.

I asked Cornell Tech:

... Is this true? Will Cornell no longer allow sledding on the campus hills? Was there a lawsuit involving an injured child sledding on the Campus hill and a $2.5 million awarded for the child's injuries?

The Cornell Tech campus hills have been the “Go To” spot for Roosevelt Island kids and their families to enjoy snow days and sledding since at least 2021 when the Southtown snow hill was no longer available due to construction on Riverwalk building 8

Cornell Tech has been fully aware for years that the campus hills are used for sledding. Why is Cornell Tech not allowing sledding on the hills now?

Please let me know if there is any statement from Cornell Tech.

A Cornell Tech spokesperson replied:

Our policy against sledding on campus has not changed, and remains posted on seasonal signage near the hills. We also wish to clarify that Cornell Tech has never been party to lawsuit or settlement related to a sledding injury. We appreciate the understanding of our Roosevelt Island neighbors.

Also, in answer to your question, the reason for the sledding prohibition is safety.

What does this mean in terms of future sledding on the Cornell Tech campus hilltops? It's unclear, but if the policy has not changed and sledding has been going on for several years, why stop?

MTA Approves Final Queens Bus Network Redesign Plan - Changes To Roosevelt Island Q102 Bus Service Include Shortened Route, More Direct Service To Long Island City Subway Connection And Removal Of Several Roosevelt Island Bus Stops

After almost 5 years of planning, community meetings and input, on January 29. 2025 the MTA approved a final version of the Queens Bus Network Redesign plan.

Today, the MTA Board approved the Queens Bus Network Redesign! This plan will modernize bus service with updates to both express and local routes for the borough's 800,000 daily riders.

The vote comes after an extensive planning process, where community feedback was prioritized… pic.twitter.com/7O9Z4LiwRg

— MTA (@MTA) January 29, 2025

The final plan restores Roosevelt Island Q102 Bus service,

which had been eliminated in earlier versions, but changes the bus route.

According to the MTA:

About the route

The Q102 will now connect Long Island City and Roosevelt Island with a new, more direct routing. In Queens, the route will start at Court Square, traveling to Roosevelt Island via Jackson Av, 31 St, and 36 Av. On Roosevelt Island, the route will be shortened to terminate at the Roosevelt Island Tramway. The ​​ trains will provide service along 31 St, and the Q18 will still serve 30 Av. Service through Queensbridge will still be provided by the Q103.

According to the January 29 MTA Queens Bus Redesign press release:

... implementation of the new bus network, which will roll out in two phases, in alignment with regular seasonal service changes at the end of June and the end of August...

and this January 22, 2025 MTA Queens Bus Redesign Info Session discussed the changes to Roosevelt Island Q 102 bus route.

In addition to the Q102 bus route change providing service on 36th Avenue to 31 Street, Roosevelt Island bus stops near the Cornell Tech campus, at Manhattan Park 40 River Road and the Roosevelt Island Library (504 Main Street) will be removed.

Some Welcome Good News About The Roosevelt Island Tram - RIOC Reports Tram Will Resume Normal 7.5 Minute Rush Hour and 15 Minute Off Peak Schedule For 2 Week Test Period Beginning February 15 - Hopefully Swinging Tram Problem Has Been Solved

As reported last October 2,  the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reduced the Roosevelt Island Tram cabin speed and decreased the hourly trips over the East River in order to reduce cabin swaying incidents like these at the direction of the NY State Department of Labor.

 

With only a single Tram cabin working this week, we could use some good news today from RIOC about the Roosevelt Island Tram and we have it.

According to RIOC:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community,

Starting Saturday, February 15th, we will begin testing an enhanced Tram speed designed to reduce the wait time between cabins during both rush hour and normal off-peak service. This adjusted schedule—returning cabin wait times to every 7.5 minutes during rush hour and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours—will be in effect for a two-week trial period, from February 15th through March 1st.

The decision to reduce the Tram’s speed in October was made in coordination with our Tram operator, Leitner-Poma, and the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), with the goal of improving passenger comfort and safety while Poma addressed issues with the Tram’s communications system. The on-board communications system has been experiencing persistent interference, which can occasionally cause the cabins to perform a controlled stop during service, sometimes leading to significant cabin swaying during mid-air flight.

In response to the issue, Poma has added new swing dampeners to the cabins, recalibrated them, replaced fiber lines in the communications system, and swapped out aging components and antennas. These improvements have significantly reduced both the frequency of communications system interruptions and the degree of cabin swaying during controlled stops. While the overall communications system still needs to be replaced to fully resolve the issue, we believe the recent work justifies the two-week trial period at a faster speed, in consultation with state regulators.

Attached to this notice is the amended Tram schedule that will take effect starting February 15th. Throughout this trial, passenger comfort and safety will remain our top priorities. RIOC, Poma, and the New York State Department of Labor will closely monitor the two-week trial period and reassess the Tram’s schedule at the conclusion of the trial. PSD will also continue to monitor conditions at both the Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Tram stations.

Thank you for your continued patience during this Tram slowdown. We deeply appreciate your understanding and will continue to advocate for the swift implementation of a permanent solution.

- Team RIOC

UPDATE 2/11: 

NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright adds:

As Roosevelt Island residents know, I have been a longtime and steadfast advocate for upgrading and modernizing the Tram in discussions with RIOC and stakeholders in the city and state. So I was pleased to learn from the Governor’s office last week that RIOC would now commence this two-week trial period to test speed, communications and passenger comfort enhancements. Whether it’s used to travel to a medical appointment or as daily work commute, the Tram is vital to Roosevelt Island. I remain committed to helping ensure it remains a safe, efficient and comfortable mode of transportation for the community.

Only North Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Working February 10-14 While South Cabin Out Of Service For Repairs, Consider Other Modes Of Transportation Says RIOC - Residents Urged To Contact NY State Officials For Tram Priority Boarding Preference

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced last January 24 that only the North Roosevelt Island Tram cabin will be in service starting tomorrow for the week of February 10 to 14 while the South Cabin is taken out of service for scheduled repairs.

According to the RIOC announcement:

...Travelers should consider utilizing other modes of transportation, including the F-train, Ferry, and Q102 bus for off-island travel. The North cabin will remain in service throughout the entire day during this time, and the POMA team will work to ensure full service is restored as quickly as possible....

Roosevelt Island resident Paul Krikler is encouraging Roosevelt Island residents to contact NY State officials to implement Roosevelt Island Tram cabin priority boarding for Roosevelt Island residents and workers.

Mr Krikler shares this message he sent to NY State Director of State Operations & Infrastructure Kathryn Garcia and NY State Commissioner of Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR)/RIOC Board Chair Ruthanne Visnauskas.

Mr Krikler adds:

THIS WEEK WE ARE TARGETING ALBANY

We have a terrible transit ten days coming up. We lose one tram Feb 10-14 and we have no F to Manhattan the long weekend directly after. 

Email these two people every day whenever you are struggling with transit.

Kathryn Garcia: Director of State Operations & Infrastructure (oversees RIOC and reports directly to Gov Hochul). Some may recall that Garcia came in a close second to Adams in the last Mayoral primary.

RuthAnne Visnauskas: RIOC Board Chair, among other things.

Please:

Tell them you demand that RIOC does something to address this situation rather than saying there is nothing they can do.

Tell them that RIOC even refuses to share their own legal analysis behind their refusal

- Tell them we need their help to get this fixed.

- Copy the RIOC directors on every email.

- Attach pictures / videos of the insane Tram crowding and lines.

- Post your email here and any response you get.

- Get a friend to do the same

Subject Line: Priority Boarding of the Roosevelt Island Tram for Residents and Workers

To:

kathryn.garcia@exec.ny.gov

ruthanne.visnauskas@hcr.ny.gov

Cc:

Lydia.Tang@rioc.ny.gov

Howard.Polivy@rioc.ny.gov

Fay.Christian@rioc.ny.gov

David.Kraut@rioc.ny.gov

Michal.Melamed@rioc.ny.gov

Conway.Ekpo@rioc.ny.gov

Meghan.Anderson@hcr.ny.gov

Here's the full RIOC announcement about the scheduled Tram work this week.

Dear Roosevelt Island Community,

Our Tram operator, Leitner-POMA, has scheduled upcoming repair work for the Tram’s South cabin, which will require the cabin to be taken out of service for several days. The repair work is scheduled to take place from Monday, February 10th through Friday, February 14th.

This repair work mirrors the work done last February when the North cabin was taken offline to replace a hydraulic tension cylinder at the Manhattan Tram Station. This work is necessary to perform periodically to ensure the Tram continues to run safely and efficiently.

Please be advised that only the North Tram cabin will be in service during this repair period (February 10th–14th). Travelers should consider utilizing other modes of transportation, including the F-train, Ferry, and Q102 bus for off-island travel. The North cabin will remain in service throughout the entire day during this time, and the POMA team will work to ensure full service is restored as quickly as possible.

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

- Team RIOC WHAT: South Tram Cabin out of service to replace hydraulic tension cylinder WHEN: Monday, February 10th through Friday, February 14th WHERE: Work will take place on the Manhattan side Tram Station.