Regular F train service for Roosevelt Island, as well as the Queensbridge/21
Street and Lexington/63rd Street, subway stations resumed today with completion
this past weekend of the MTA's
63rd Street Tunnel Direct Fixation Project
which
started last August 28.
To mark the occasion, MTA NYC Transit President
Rich Davey
together with MTA Construction & Development President
Jamie Torres-Springer, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp's (RIOC) Interim Leadership Team member Gerrald Ellis,
Cornell Tech Dean Greg
Morrisett
and Cornell Mascot Touchdown greeted riders at the Roosevelt Island F train station this morning.
I spoke with Mr Davey and Mr Torres-Springer about the completion of 63rd
Street Rehab Tunnel Project. According to Mr Torres-Springer:
We're always working on state of good repair across the system. It was
important here that we rebuilt the track all the way from 63rd Street in
Manhattan to Queensbridge in Queens. We rebuilt 25,000 feet of track. But in
this case, in order to make sure that it was reliable for decades to come, we
fully rebuilt it. We demolished what was there and we rebuilt the track, the
third rail, the concrete foundation, the signals, all of it to make a more
reliable ride for F Train riders.... The modern technology that we've used in
the rebuild means that everyone will experience a smoother ride...
I asked Mr Davey about the breathing problems some riders experienced with
dust in the air at the station. Mr Davey replied:
You wouldn't know it. We actually had our mobile wash team in here last
night to clean up but because of the Piston effect of the train, some of the
dust in the tunnel itself was blown into the station so that'll
subside relatively quickly. We'll have our wash teams back to do that but
that's fairly common when you have such a complicated and large construction
project.... we'll be out to clean it up and make sure that the stations are
spic and span.
I also spoke with Roosevelt Island resident
Paul Krikler, who along with resident Matt Wald, played a key part in organizing and advocating for the Roosevelt Island
community during the seven months of the 63rd Street Tunnel Rehab project.
I really hope this means we will now have consistent regular full weekend
service as well. Before this full shut down, it was the exception, not the
norm, to have the train running in both directions on the weekends, and
sometimes it wasn't running at all on the weekends.
I am very proud that is running and grateful yet I am highly disappointed
@rooseveltislandny @riocny @mta @nycmayor we could take a few hours to
give the station a deep floor - steam cleaning and I say this
respectfully. As a proud New Yorker, entering and breathing in the layers
of debris this am was saddening . I would say I am sure volunteers like
myself would mop and give it a good clean , however we do have the
financial means to give it at least one grand opening mop ( remove some
layers of durst everywhere) please take a moment to give our station a
little CLEANING LOVE it would of been such a highlight to the grand
opening
I love that they’re standing there like they restored service with their
own hands. Shout out to the construction workers who worked through the
weekends for almost a year to end this travel nightmare.
Thanks to the workers for making improvements that @rooseveltislander
complains about and then you make those fixes but @rooseveltislander turns
to complaining during the whole duration of the project!
I was most excited to ride the F back from Manhattan today. I had just missed the last train and didn’t have to wait 20 minutes for the next one! It was great!
NOT an April Fools joke! The F train has resumed normal operation btwn
Queens & Manhattan, thanks to the successful completion of the 63rd St
Track Project. A big shoutout to the hardworking team at the
@MTA for making
it happen. You know it’s a big deal when Touchdown appears!
pic.twitter.com/uvm3mS0VRU
— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny)
April 1, 2024
Here's what we accomplished: 🛤️Reconstructed new concrete roadbed and
tracks. ⚡️Installed 25k feet of new third rail. 🚦Replaced
cables, installed new signals, and more!
This work will ensure
reliable service on the 63 St line for decades.
After reporting on the resumption of F train service, I got ON one at
Roosevelt Island….and promptly got stuck when “emergency brakes were
activated.” The conductor shut power and train simply SAT. When it resumed
didn’t sound right pulling into 57th.
@nyctsubway@mta#NBC4NYpic.twitter.com/7od4Lnd09N
But there will be no Roosevelt Island F train service to or from Manhattan this Easter
Weekend, March 30 -31 as the MTA finishes up work on the 63rd Street tunnel
rehab project.
This being Easter weekend and the cherry blossoms starting to bloom, plan for long lines at the Roosevelt Island Tram. This afternoon at 12 pm the Manhattan Tram station platform was jam packed with tourists.
Upon arriving at Roosevelt Island, most of the tourists immediately got on the next very crowded Tram back to Manhattan.
During the March 26 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) community Working Advisory Group meeting with residents, RIOC announced that extra Public Safety Department officers will be stationed at the Tram stations this weekend (as seen today),
that seniors, disabled and anyone who needs assistance can skip long lines by using the Tram elevator
and that extended red bus hours have been added to the Red Bus Shuttle between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island this weekend.
UPDATE: RIOC is extending the hours for the planned Manhattan Red Bus shuttle this weekend to help residents with off-island travel while the F-Train is out of service. The shuttle will now run from 11am to 7:30pm. pic.twitter.com/CgXCOEsyqk
— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) March 27, 2024
According to this March 27 RIOC Advisory:
UPDATE: RIOC is extending the hours for the planned Manhattan Red Bus shuttle this weekend to help residents with off-island travel while the F-Train is out of service. The shuttle will now run from 11am to 7:30pm. Details are highlighted below:
Dear Roosevelt Island Community:
The MTA has informed us that there will be no F- shuttle service on Roosevelt Island on the weekend of March 30-31, starting on Friday 3/29 at 11:30 PM.
At this time, it is anticipated that F, E, and M train service will resume normal operation between Queens and Manhattan starting at 5AM on April 1st.
During the outage, the MTA will once again provide free shuttle buses for island residents to utilize:
Starting at 11:30 PM on Friday 3/29 and for the remainder of the weekend, a free shuttle bus will replace the Q95 and Q94 and will extend to connect Roosevelt Island, 21 St- Queensbridge, and Queens Plaza, following the current Q94 overnight shuttle route. This shuttle bus will run during daytime and overnight hours for the duration of the weekend and is scheduled to operate approximately every 5-10 minutes.
Other Methods of Travel
In addition to the MTA’s free shuttle bus, island residents may utilize the following methods of off-island transportation during the weekend:
Red Bus Manhattan Shuttle: RIOC will once again run a Red Bus Shuttle to Manhattan on Saturday March 30th and Sunday March 31st from 11:00am– 7:30pm. The shuttle leaves from the Tram Station at the top of every hour and picks up returning riders from the Southwest side of 2nd Avenue, between 58th Street and 59th Street, on the half hour.
Tram: RIOC is running the Tram on a rush hour schedule every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am – 10:00pm during the ongoing MTA trackwork. Please be advised that we expect longer than average wait times for the Tram while this MTA work takes place, so you should plan your travel accordingly. Extra PSD officers will be stationed at both the Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Tram stations during these weekends, and if you are elderly or disabled and need help reaching the Manhattan side Tram platform, please make sure to speak with one of the PSD officers on site.
NYC Ferry: The NYC Ferry Astoria line serves Roosevelt Island and can provide off-island transportation to Queens and Manhattan. You can check its schedule here.
Q102 Bus: Travelers can also utilize the Q102 Bus to Astoria for off-island travel. You can view its schedule here.
Thank you.
-RIOC Transportation
Good luck with getting to and from Roosevelt Island this weekend.
According to MTA Assistant Director, Government & Community Relations Katerina Patouri:
Dear Community Stakeholder:
Please be advised of the following service change as part of the ongoing 63rd St Direct Fixation Project:
March 29 - April 1
In support of the 63 St track replacement project, the F shuttle train will be suspended on the weekend of March 29th – April 1st. See details below:
F shuttle train service will be suspended starting on Saturday 3/30 at 5AM.
Starting at 11:30 PM on Friday 3/29, a free shuttle bus will replace the Q95 and Q94 and will connect Roosevelt Island, 21 St- Queensbridge, and Queens Plaza, following the current Q94 overnight shuttle route.
This shuttle bus will run during daytime and overnight hours for the duration of the weekend and is scheduled to operate approximately every 5-10 minutes.
The F train will continue to operate via the E in both directions.
From 5:30AM – 10PM on Friday 3/29, M train service will operate between Metropolitan Av and Delancey St-Essex St, and via the J to/from Chambers Street, the last stop. The M train will resume its normal overnight/weekend service at 10PM on Friday 3/29.
At this time, it is anticipated that F, E, and M train service will resume normal operation between Queens and Manhattan starting at 5AM on April 1st.
There is no Roosevelt Island subway service to or from Manhattan this weekend. According to the MTA:
As reported January 12, according to MTA Assistant Director, Government & Community Relations
Katerina Patouri:
Dear Community Stakeholder,
Please be advised of the following service changes as part of the ongoing
63rd St Direct Fixation Project, upcoming in February 2024:...
... Feb 10-12th, 17-19th, 24-26th:
In support of the ongoing 63rd St track replacement project, the F shuttle
train will be suspended for the weekends of Feb 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26:
F shuttle train service will be suspended starting on Saturday at 5AM
through Monday at 5AM on the weekends of Feb 10-12, Feb 17-19, and Feb
24-26.
Starting at 11:00 PM on Friday 2/10, 2/17, and 2/24 and for the remainder
of each weekend, a free shuttle bus will replace the Q95 and Q94 and will
extend to connect Roosevelt Island, 21 St- Queensbridge, and Queens Plaza,
following the current Q94 overnight shuttle route.
This shuttle bus will run during daytime and overnight hours for the
duration of the weekend and is scheduled to operate approximately every
5-10 minutes.
Project completion is still slated for Q1, 2024, subject to change....
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
Dear Roosevelt Island Community:
The
MTA has announced planned service changes to the F-Shuttle train
service for Roosevelt Island every weekend during the month of February.
Here is the information shared with us from the MTA detailing the
changes in service for the upcoming weekends:
Feb 10-12th, 17-19th, 24-26th: NO Subway Service on Roosevelt Island
The F shuttle train will be suspended for the weekends of Feb 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26:
F shuttle train service will be suspended starting onSaturday at 5AM through Monday at 5AMon the weekends of Feb 10-12, Feb 17-19, and Feb 24-26.
Starting
at 11:00 PM on Friday 2/10, 2/17, and 2/24 and for the remainder of
each weekend, a free shuttle bus will replace the Q95 and Q94 and will
extend to connect Roosevelt Island, 21 St- Queensbridge, and Queens
Plaza, following the current Q94 overnight shuttle route.
This
shuttle bus will run during daytime and overnight hours for the
duration of the weekend and is scheduled to operate approximately every
5-10 minutes.
Other Methods of Travel
In
addition to the MTA’s free shuttle bus, island residents may utilize
the following methods of off-island transportation during all February
weekends:
Red Bus Manhattan Shuttle:
During all weekends in February RIOC will once again run a Red Bus
Shuttle to Manhattan every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00pm – 7:30pm. The
shuttle leaves from the Tram Station at the top of every hour and picks
up returning riders from the Southwest side of 2nd Avenue, between 58th
Street and 59th Street, on the half hour.
Tram:
RIOC is running the Tram on a rush hour schedule every Saturday and
Sunday from 7:00am – 10:00pm during the ongoing MTA trackwork. Please be
advised that we expect longer than average wait times for the Tram
while this emergency MTA work takes place, so you should plan your
travel accordingly. Extra PSD officers will be stationed at both the
Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Tram stations during these weekends, and
if you are elderly or disabled and need help reaching the Manhattan side
Tram platform, please make sure to speak with one of the PSD officers
on site.
NYC Ferry: The NYC Ferry Astoria line serves Roosevelt Island and can provide off-island transportation to Queens and Manhattan. You can check its schedule here.
The Roosevelt Island F Train Shuttle service is cancelled this weekend. Instead, there will be Roosevelt Island F and E Train service from Manhattan but no subway service from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan.
In support of the ongoing 63rd St track replacement project, the F shuttle
train will be suspended for the weekends of Feb 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26:
F shuttle train service will be suspended starting on Saturday at 5AM
through Monday at 5AM on the weekends of Feb 10-12, Feb 17-19, and Feb
24-26.
Starting at 11:00 PM on Friday 2/10, 2/17, and 2/24 and for the remainder
of each weekend, a free shuttle bus will replace the Q95 and Q94 and will
extend to connect Roosevelt Island, 21 St- Queensbridge, and Queens Plaza,
following the current Q94 overnight shuttle route.
This shuttle bus will run during daytime and overnight hours for the
duration of the weekend and is scheduled to operate approximately every
5-10 minutes....
The MTA has announced planned service changes to the F-Shuttle train service for Roosevelt Island every weekend during the month of February. Here is the information shared with us from the MTA detailing the changes in service for each weekend:
February 2nd – 5th: Roosevelt Island Subway Service to Queens ONLY
Be advised of the following service changes for the weekend of Feb 2-5:
F shuttle train service will be suspended starting at 11:45PM Friday 2/2 through Monday 2/5 at 5AM.
Queens-bound E and F trains will be routed via the 63rd St tunnel, making stops at 57 St, Lexington Ave/63rd St, Roosevelt Island, and 21 St-Queensbridge.
Q94 and Q95 bus shuttle service will be suspended. Free shuttle buses will run overnight starting at 9:30PM on Friday 2/2, Saturday 2/3 and Sunday 2/4 between 21 St- Queensbridge and Court Sq-23 St, stopping at Queens Plaza.
For subway service to Manhattan from Roosevelt Island, customers can take a Queens-bound E or F to Steinway St or Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av to transfer to a Manhattan-bound E or F.
Feb 10-12th, 17-19th, 24-26th: NO Subway Service on Roosevelt Island
The F shuttle train will be suspended for the weekends of Feb 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26:
F shuttle train service will be suspended starting on Saturday at 5AM through Monday at 5AM on the weekends of Feb 10-12, Feb 17-19, and Feb 24-26.
Starting at 11:00 PM on Friday 2/10, 2/17, and 2/24 and for the remainder of each weekend, a free shuttle bus will replace the Q95 and Q94 and will extend to connect Roosevelt Island, 21 St- Queensbridge, and Queens Plaza, following the current Q94 overnight shuttle route.
This shuttle bus will run during daytime and overnight hours for the duration of the weekend and is scheduled to operate approximately every 5-10 minutes.
Other Methods of Travel
In addition to the MTA’s free shuttle bus, island residents may utilize the following methods of off-island transportation during all February weekends:
Red Bus Manhattan Shuttle: During all weekends in February RIOC will once again run a Red Bus Shuttle to Manhattan every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00pm – 7:30pm. The shuttle leaves from the Tram Station at the top of every hour and picks up returning riders from the Southwest side of 2nd Avenue, between 58th Street and 59th Street, on the half hour.
Tram: RIOC is running the Tram on a rush hour schedule every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am – 10:00pm during the ongoing MTA trackwork. Please be advised that we expect longer than average wait times for the Tram while this emergency MTA work takes place, so you should plan your travel accordingly. Extra PSD officers will be stationed at both the Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Tram stations during these weekends, and if you are elderly or disabled and need help reaching the Manhattan side Tram platform, please make sure to speak with one of the PSD officers on site.
NYC Ferry: The NYC Ferry Astoria line serves Roosevelt Island and can provide off-island transportation to Queens and Manhattan. You can check its schedule here.
Q102 Bus: Travelers can also utilize the Q102 Bus to Astoria for off-island travel. You can view its schedule here.
There will be no Roosevelt Island weekend F Train service to and from
Manhattan beginning February 10 -12 and continuing for the next two weekends of February
17-19 and 24-26....
... Project completion is still slated for Q1, 2024, subject to change....
During the January 24 NY State Joint Budget Hearing on Transportation, Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright asked MTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber:
Right now there are two elevators in service. One is out. Many of the residents are people with disabilities.They're not able to walk up and down the stairs for two levels and so I would like to know what the MTA is planning to do to bring some relief for these citizens as well as the F Train shuttle that runes every 20 minutes.
There will be no shuttle service at all in 3 weekends in February. The Tram that services the Island is the same. Residents have been telling me that the line can stretch all the way to 3rd Avenue and it is just not feasible
RIOC has stopped the Red Bus shuttle service on the Island to Manhattan
It doesn't have the capacity to run the shuttle because of the strong demands on the Island. The MTA has been very reluctant to offer adequate supplemental service for the residents. So If you could just address this, I would appreciate it.
According to Mr Lieber:
We are on schedule with completion of the track work in the 63rd Street tunnel....
At yesterday's Joint Budget Hearing on Transportation, I asked MTA Chairman & CEO Janno Lieber about urgently needed elevator, F-Train, and tram repairs, along with service improvements on Roosevelt Island. Watch: https://t.co/o0vjtnjtfdpic.twitter.com/130au8fKTY
— Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY) January 25, 2024
Watch the full Q&A between Ms Seawright and Mr Lieber.
There will be no Roosevelt Island weekend F Train service to and from
Manhattan beginning February 10 -12 and continuing for the next two weekends of February
17-19 and 24-26.
According to MTA Assistant Director, Government & Community Relations
Katerina Patouri
Dear Community Stakeholder,
Please be advised of the following service changes as part of the ongoing
63rd St Direct Fixation Project, upcoming in February 2024:
February 2nd – 5th:
As a result of emergency repairs needed in the 53rd St tunnel, be advised of
the following service changes for the weekend of Feb 2-5:
F shuttle train service will be suspended starting at 11:45PM Friday 2/2
through Monday 2/5 at 5AM.
Queens-bound E and F trains will be routed via the 63rd St tunnel, making
stops at 57 St, Lexington Ave/63rd St, Roosevelt Island, and 21
St-Queensbridge.
Coney Island-bound F trains will continue to run via the E from Jackson
Heights-Roosevelt Av to 5 Av/53 St.
Queens-bound E trains will run via the F from W 4 St to Jackson
Heights-Roosevelt Av.
Q94 and Q95 bus shuttle service will be suspended. Free shuttle buses will
run overnight starting at 9:30PM on Friday 2/2, Saturday 2/3 and Sunday
2/4 between 21 St- Queensbridge and Court Sq-23 St, stopping at Queens
Plaza.
For subway service to Manhattan from Roosevelt Island, customers can take
a Queens-bound E or F to Steinway St or Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av to
transfer to a Manhattan-bound E or F.
Feb 10-12th, 17-19th, 24-26th:
In support of the ongoing 63rd St track replacement project, the F shuttle
train will be suspended for the weekends of Feb 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26:
F shuttle train service will be suspended starting on Saturday at 5AM
through Monday at 5AM on the weekends of Feb 10-12, Feb 17-19, and Feb
24-26.
Starting at 11:00 PM on Friday 2/10, 2/17, and 2/24 and for the remainder
of each weekend, a free shuttle bus will replace the Q95 and Q94 and will
extend to connect Roosevelt Island, 21 St- Queensbridge, and Queens Plaza,
following the current Q94 overnight shuttle route.
This shuttle bus will run during daytime and overnight hours for the
duration of the weekend and is scheduled to operate approximately every
5-10 minutes.
Project completion is still slated for Q1, 2024, subject to change.
Print and digital communications will be posted at affected stations, as
well as on the MTA website. As always, please consult the MTA website or the
MyMTA app for the latest service information and alternative service
options. Customers can also sign up for the MTA’s newly launched customer
real-time email and text alert system, or call 511 for service-related
information.
Thank you for your patience as this work continues. Please be in touch if
you have any further questions.
Will RIOC allow Roosevelt Island residents and workers priority boarding before
tourists during these weekends when there is no F Train shuttle? It could be as simple as
allowing
Metro Card holders priority boarding, as was done earlier this year, since most tourists are using the OMNY
payment system.
Honestly, tourists, what brings you to Roosevelt Island? Our wide open spaces? Our fine dining? Our breathtaking vistas, perhaps? Is it really worth it? All you're doing is making our lives miserable by cramming the tram while our subway service is on the fritz. https://t.co/vx6DUCSoGJpic.twitter.com/WFShdWdkfp
I’d love folks to come to our CB8 RI meeting on Jan 18. We’ve added the February weekend F shutdowns to the agenda”.
Until recently the RIOC Communications Department was attending CB8 RI meetings and doing a great job of it. Unfortunately, a week before the December meeting, I was told that RIOC would not be attending after all and would be re-evaluating participation in these meetings. We need more communication between RIOC and residents. Not less.
there will be no Roosevelt Island F Train shuttle service
at all in either
direction this weekend as work on the 63rd Street Tunnel Rehab project
switches to the Manhattan bound platform.
According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):
Dear Roosevelt Island Community:
The MTA has issued the following alert regarding upcoming changes to the
F-Shuttle Train in support of the ongoing 63rd St track replacement project.
During the weekend of January 6th and 7th, the MTA will be running special
shuttle buses in place of the F-shuttle train, which will be offline for the
weekend:
Track reconstruction work will be moving to the Manhattan-bound track starting
on Monday, January 8th.
In support of this switchover:
F shuttle train service will be suspended starting on Saturday 1/6 at 5AM
through Monday 1/8 at 5AM.
Starting at 11:00 PM on Friday 1/5 and for the remainder of the weekend, a
free shuttle bus will replace the Q95 and Q94 and will extend to connect
Roosevelt Island, 21 St- Queensbridge, and Queens Plaza, following the
current Q94 overnight shuttle route.
This shuttle bus will run during daytime and overnight hours for the
duration of the weekend and is scheduled to operate approximately every 5-10
minutes.
Beginning on Monday 1/8, F shuttle train service will resume on the
Queens-bound track and will arrive and depart from the lower level of the
Lexington Ave/63rd St Station. Q94 and Q95 shuttle service will resume with no
changes.
Project completion is still slated for Q1, 2024, subject to change.
Other Methods of Travel
In addition to the MTA’s free shuttle bus, island residents may utilize the
following methods of off-island transportation during the January 6/7 weekend:
Red Bus: RIOC runs a weekly Red Bus Shuttle to Manhattan every Saturday and
Sunday from 3:00pm – 7:30pm. The shuttle leaves from the Tram Station at the
top of every hour and picks up returning riders from the Southwest side of
2nd Avenue, between 58th Street and 59th Street, on the half hour.
Tram: RIOC is running the Tram on a rush hour schedule every Saturday and
Sunday from 7:00am – 10:00pm during the ongoing MTA trackwork.
NYC Ferry: The NYC Ferry Astoria line serves Roosevelt Island and can
provide off-island transportation to Queens and Manhattan. You can check its
schedule here.
Q102 Bus: Travelers can also utilize the Q102 Bus to Astoria for off-island
travel. You can view its schedule here.
Please be advised that we expect longer than average wait times for the
Roosevelt Island Tram while this track change takes place, so please plan your
travel accordingly. Extra PSD officers will be stationed at both the Roosevelt
Island and Manhattan Tram stations all weekend to help ensure an orderly
travel experience for passengers.
The December 14 , 2023 Community Board 8
Roosevelt Island Committee
Zoom meeting, chaired by resident Paul Krikler,
addressed several very important issues including:
Update on the MTA's 63rd Street Tunnel Rehab project (work will switch over
to the Queens bound platform beginning weekend of January 5, there will be
no F train service at all that weekend),
Changes to Roosevelt Island current Q102 bus service proposed by the
MTA's Queens Bus Network Redesign
final plan (Q102 to Queens/Queensboro Plaza replaced by new Q104 route to
Sunnyside via Vernon B'lvd and Broadway in Astoria) and
Seeking improved communications with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp
(including hosting a community meeting with Roosevelt Island resident RIOC
Board of Directors).
Here's the
full discussion. Watch the video to learn more about important issues facing Roosevelt
Island and how you can get involved to make improvements.
Contact CB8 if you are interested in more information about the Roosevelt Island
committee. The next CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee meeting will be in January
18, 2024.
Passengers United will be hosting a Zoom discussion about Queens Bus Network
Redesign Plan on Wednesday December 20.
Join us on Wednesday on Zoom for an emergency meeting to discuss the Queens
Bus Network Redesign and our plans around it!
pic.twitter.com/ooP10z8kdO
At about 5:50 PM this evening a Roosevelt Island resident Tipster reported:
i waited 60 min on F Shuttle at 63rd to get to Island. Never came. had to take
Tram that had a long line.
According to the MTA:
Travel Alternatives For service between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan
(see map): Take the Roosevelt Island Tram (free transfer with OMNY and
MetroCard)
Here's the Roosevelt Island Tram line this evening down the staircase
stretching to 59th street and almost over to third avenue.
Frustrated Roosevelt Island residents reported:
It's time to just walk on the Track back to Roosevelt Island.
On days like this, why can't RIOC send one Red Bus to 59th Street to get
people home?
The Tram used to be such a nice bonus of living on the Island. Now I avoid
it like the plague if I can help it ... If anyone here is an influencer,
please tell tourists not to take it so that residents can actually live
their lives, get to and from work/school.
I’m trying to get on line for the tram and it goes more than halfway to 3rd ave, it’s insane
I hope they realize this nonsense is chasing the people that actually pay rent off the island….
2-hour commute home for RI residents. Consistently more expensive and consistently longer. Resident-only lines or hours would be a minimum courtesy and still insufficient for what we pay in fares and taxes.
And no one makes the people on the tram take their backpacks off which takes up even more space
I took on Uber across from the tram $25 . I rather that then to wait on the line
F subway service resumed with delays at about 6:40 PM. At 7:15 PM Tram line was about a 10 minute wait.
During the September 14 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting Public Session, several residents spoke up sharing
their concerns, ideas and solutions with the RIOC Board. Unfortunately, every
time
newly appointed Board Member Ben Fhala
tried to respond to a question or concern from a resident,
RIOC General Counsel Gretchen Robinson
and Board Chair Diana Lopez did their utmost to try and shut him up, but Mr
Fhala persisted.
Here's what happened.
Also, as Mr Fhala was trying to respond to the concerns of a late night health
care worker describing having to sleep overnight because of no subway or tram
service, Ms Robinson said he was speaking:
... as a resident of the Island and not a member of the board.
Mr Fhala responded he was speaking as a board member.
Near the conclusion of the September 14 Board meeting, Director Howard Polivy
asked Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown and Transportation Director Cy Opperman
about RIOC's handling of the current Tram and Red Bus transportation
situation.
Roosevelt Island resident Frank Farance shared his thoughts on the currrent
transportations problems during the RIOC Public Session too.
I attended a RIOC board meeting in person for the first time on September 14. I am glad I did and encourage more community members to join future meetings.
I really got a good sense of the relationship between the RIOC staff and the Board of Directors. It seems the RIOC staff is controlling the Board Directors, not allowing them to ask valid questions.
There was a nice turnout from the community and some people spoke during the public comment period. While everyone seemed to be in agreement the track work must be done, the community is frustrated with how RIOC is dealing with this issue.
Multiple times during the meeting, Gretchen Robinson, the General Counsel, noted:
... having addition OMNY at the tram there are no lines for the tram...
RIOC is trying to make a bad situation sound good like there are not really any issues. According to RIOC, one red bus is out of service and with the addition of the shuttle service to Queens Plaza and Manhattan, RIOC is using this as an excuse for unreliable and less frequent regular red bus service on the island. The RIOC buses to Queens Plaza and Manhattan only run a few hours a day. What about the rest of the day when this service is not being provided. RIOC should be using all buses at all times.
Remember, if you wish to add your voice, concerns, ideas and solutions to the
current Roosevelt Island transportation problems, come to the
September 21 Community Board 8
meeting at Good Shepherd Community Center or
log on via zoom.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
