RIOC Responds To Roosevelt Island Transportation Outreach With Courtesy Signage Encouraging Giving Up Seats For Elderly/Disabled/Pregnant Woman And Will Start Routine PSD Patrols On Red Bus - Watch Video Of Full RI Transportation Issues Discussion

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

On Thursday, January 9th, RIOC’s Chief Operating Officer Shelton Haynes, along with the Transportation Department’s Cy Opperman and Joe Marino heard from the community as part of our new outreach initiative: Re-Introducing RIOC.

A number of attendees at the event at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center voiced concerns about courtesy on our transportation network, particularly about our Red Bus service. RIOC encourages everyone to be considerate of their fellow passengers because a little kindness goes a long way. Although we still have some work to do in other areas, we are happy to report that we were able to quickly address two of your chief concerns immediately.

MORE PSD OFFICERS ON THE RED BUS

As a result of the community’s request, PSD has already started routine patrols on the Red Buses throughout the day. These patrols will be conducted seven days a week during the Red Bus hours of operation.

NEW & IMPROVED COURTESY SIGNS ON EVERY BUS

RIOC’s new COURTESY COUNTS signs will be posted on each bus within the next two weeks.

These signs feature images that clearly demonstrate which seats on the bus are reserved for those who are pregnant, the elderly and the disabled.

It is our hope that these signs and the increased PSD presence on the buses, will encourage our customers to consider the safety and comfort of all of their fellow passengers. Because a little bit of consideration for your neighbor goes a long way. If you see an incident happen on a bus, please alert the driver or contact PSD immediately at 212-832-4545.

Image From RIOC

Issues discussed during the January 9 Roosevelt Island Transportation meeting at Carter Burden Roosevelt Island Senior Center included:

Read more »

Hey Susan - RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Answers Questions From Roosevelt Island Residents On Next Bus App, Red Bus Route, Smallpox Hospital, Reckless Bike Riders& More - Send In Your Questions Too

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has started a new communication feature for residents, - Hey Susan - in which RIOC President Susan Rosenthal

will answer questions you ask her.

Here's the third installment of Hey Susan.

HEY SUSAN!

An occasional column of questions and answers to and from RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal

HEY SUSAN!

Can we get the NextBus app to be more reliable? I’ve found that it sometimes doesn’t have all the buses on there, sometimes shows them early or later than they are and lately it’s even been showing the express octagon bus like it’s going to stop at the church when that isn’t a stop for it. I rely on this app daily when deciding whether to wait for the bus with my kids or walk and it’s so frustrating when it’s not working properly.

SUSAN: This app has been the subject of many questions. I get it, I really do. First of all, when we received our two new buses, this past summer, they were delivered without the pre-installed GPS equipment. Those parts have been ordered.

We’ve also had to make updates to the equipment as the buses’ signals were being dropped when driving under the 59th Street Bridge. And then, the signals would mysteriously re-appear once they went past the MTA subway station.

Know that we’re working to get these issues corrected quickly. As an alternative, give the Moovit and Transit apps a try.

They offer real-time information not just about the Red Bus, but the Tram, NYC Ferry and the MTA subway too. They use the GPS data when it’s available and use our bus and Tram schedules to fill in the gaps and insert the vehicles where they’re supposed to be, according to the official timetable.

HEY SUSAN!

Is there any way to add just ONE additional stop to the Express Red Bus morning service? A Southbound Stop at the current local stop across from GRISTEDES by Manhattan Park would alleviate the crowds on the local bus, and not be too great a delay to Express bus riders (after all, even NYC Express buses make more than one pick-up stop.) The local buses are overcrowded in winter and bad weather and it’s so very FRUSTRATING to watch 3/4 empty Express buses pass us local riders by.

SUSAN: Thank you for your question. I’ve asked Transportation Director Cyril Opperman to review this situation, so stay tuned.

HEY SUSAN!

Just wondering how the stabilization work on the Smallpox Hospital is going and when it might be completed and open to the public. Can you direct me to an information source? Thanks very much.

SUSAN: In the summer of 2017, RIOC applied to the NYS Environmental Fund for a $500,000 grant (the maximum allowed under that program) to undertake planning and create construction drawings for stabilization. A previously-completed schematic design report concluded that the stabilization costs were estimated to be approximately $20 million. RIOC and all our public officials believe we should save the Smallpox Hospital.

Last year, we visited with NYS Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul and discussed several potential ideas for the future of the Smallpox Hospital. Is the greater community ready for a $20 million fund-raising challenge which should start sooner rather than later?

HEY SUSAN!

Do you have a place for lost items from the Tram? I may have lost a grey/fur mitten/glove 21 November. Would be happy if I got it back. Thank you!

SUSAN: All lost items we receive are taken to the Public Safety Department's office on 550 Main Street, 212.832.4545. Our officers keep a log of all items turned in.

HEY SUSAN!

Yesterday, November 25, my nine-year-old daughter was swiped by a bicyclist who made no attempt in yielding as he was proceeding down the ramp to the path (West side of Island), heading north.

My husband tried pulling her out of the way, yet the bike still nipped her in her ribs and ankle. There were at least two other witnesses, who also almost got hit. My husband asked him to stop, and asked for his ID. At that time, he cussed my husband out dropping F bombs everywhere (there were many kids around), and then sped off. The EMS arrived quickly with PSD. Luckily, she only had a few abrasions and was just a bit shaken.

PSD said they didn’t find him, and would look at cameras, but we never heard from them. I asked them about the rules for bikers versus pedestrians assuming bikers should always yield, and pedestrians always have right of way. They stated on the path, there are no rules?!!!

Which brings me to my biggest concern/request. On an island where many people use bicycles as transportation why aren’t there bike lanes on the path?! I find the path dangerous at times as PSD vehicles or other authorized vehicles speed down in either direction. Many bicyclists have no regard for common courtesy, and do not abide by any rules.

Driveways just off Main Street or the path do not have yield signs, and cars have sped through or turn quickly on more than one occasion. My 9.5-year-old is at the age where I should be allowing her to walk around on her own. Especially on the path where it should be safe.

When will we have bike lanes and why haven’t they been implemented yet? I feel pedestrian safety should be a top priority.

SUSAN: I’m so sorry that this happened to your daughter. It seems that whenever pedestrians and cyclists share the same spaces – whether that be sidewalks, or promenade paths as is the case here on Roosevelt Island, there seem to be conflicts as well as complaints.

Would the addition of more signage help? Maybe. Would increased enforcement of common sense courtesy and the law decrease the number of encounters? Perhaps. While I’m discussing these issues with the Public Safety Department, here are some of the rules:

Bicycles must follow the rules of the road just like motor vehicles. When entering or exiting from an alleyway, building, private road or driveway, they must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian.

Bikes on the promenade must travel on the right side of the path. Bike riding is not allowed on sidewalks (unless the wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter and the rider is 12-years-old or younger).

Bicycles that violate these rules may be confiscated and riders may be subject to legal sanctions.

As for bike lanes, we announced earlier this month our bike ramp and bike lane project that is being planned for the East side Promenade first (READ MORE HERE) and our plan is to eventually extend the lane so that it encircles the entire Island.

Roosevelt Island Red Bus Next Bus GPS App Down For A Week Says Resident - RIOC Says It's Working Today

The Next Bus App is a very useful and convenient tool for residents enabling us to know when the Roosevelt Island Red Bus
 

will arrive at our stop - when it is working.

A reader asked today about the status of the Next Bus Roosevelt Island Red Bus App:

... have you heard anything about the bus app not working again? It’s been about a week of it not working...

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson has the answer:

Yes, there were some problems with the Next Bus app this week. We did not receive a reason why from the developer which operates the app that displays our buses approximate GPS-tracked locations/arrival times.

The app is up and working again this afternoon.

As previously reported, the Octagon Building pays for and has the contract with Next Bus for the Roosevelt Island Red Bus App.

Check out the Roosevelt Islansd Red Bus Next Bus app for yourself.

You can download the mobile app here.

Roosevelt Island Red Bus Next Bus GPS System Returns To Service Today

As reported last February, the Roosevelt Island Red Bus Next Bus GPS mobile phone app has been out of service for quite a while.

Good news today. the Red Bus Next Bus app is now working.

Image Today From Next Bus

Check out the Roosevelt Islansd Red Bus Next Bus app for yourself.

You can download the mobile app here.

More info to follow.

UPDATE 5/11 - Received multiple reports this morning that the Red Bus Next Bus app was not working.  As of 12:43 PM, the app was still not working.

According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Transportation Manager Cy Opperman:

Next Bus support services are working on the problem.

UPDATE 5/12 - As of 11:10 AM, Roosevelt Island Red Bus Next Bus app still not working.

Why Is The Roosevelt Island Red Bus NextBus GPS Tracking System Not Working? Waiting For Necessary Equipment Upgrade Says Octagon Building Management

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is about the Roosevelt Island Red Bus

NextBus GPS tracking system. Residents ask why is it not working

Image From NextBus

and when will the service return.

Octagon Building General Manager Andrea Heon provides the answer:

The Octagon paid and renewed our contract with NextBus towards the end of December in order to continue to provide our residents with the NextBus tracking service as it has in the past.

We understand that this is also a benefit for all residents of Roosevelt Island as well. Unfortunately, it came to our attention after we renewed, that all of the current tracking equipment under our contract is no longer compatible with the network available on Roosevelt Island.

NextBus has sent us an additional contract to upgrade all of the equipment in order for it to function properly. We have communicated to NextBus that we are reviewing the necessary steps to replace these items as quickly as possible.

As the equipment incompatibility issue was unforeseen, it has taken a little longer to review the new scopes and the contract for the new equipment than it did for us to simply continue on with the renewal of the contract. I hope this background will assist in understanding our intentions. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this issue has caused the residents of Roosevelt Island, and are hopeful to have the upgrades taken care of very soon to resume providing this service for Roosevelt Island.

Roosevelt Island NextBus service began in 2009.

Roosevelt Island Residents Ask For Southbound Red Bus Stop At Rivercross Building, RIOC Evaluating Request - Additional Red Bus, Less Crowding, Better Tracking Asked For Too

Is an additional Roosevelt Island Southbound Red Bus stop needed between the current Good Shepherd and Riverwalk stops?



A reader suggests:

.... a bus stop between the church and the next stop. I go to The doctors office and it's a long walk from the church to the Drs office. When you're  not feeling good or it is extremely hot you don't feel like walking that far.

I have heard similar requests for a southbound Rivercross Red Bus Stop

Image of Proposed Red Bus Stop In Front Of Rivercross Building

from others

Red Bus Passing Rivercross Building On Way To Riverwalk Stop

as well.

Also, on July 25, Roosevelt Island resident Nathaniel Phillips expressed concerns about the Red Bus service. According to Mr. Phillips:

Once again there was no southbound Red Bus service @ 10am. From 9:45 to 10:15 people were stranded. There was a 10am Octogon Express than went by with 10 people on it at 10:02. I wonder if there is any management of the Red Bus system? The lack of a 10am bus must have been known and that 30 minute gap must have rippled through. There are times that drivers leave early! Making a 2 minute a 17 minute wait! If you call the Red Bus phone line you go to voicemail and I've yet to have a call returned.

As things stand at as general matter the bus is consistently overcrowded during the day time hours. We need an additional bus. Several drivers do not enable the GPS units making the bus tracking apps useless. Lastly the use of SUV size strollers is a safety hazard. I've been on a bus with 3 baby strollers carrying two babies and a dog. This bus service is in desperate need of management.

Why can't we be text notified when bus service is interrupted? Why don't we have countdown clocks at stops on the route? Why can't GPS tracking be reliable? Why doesn't RIOC has an APP to communicate with its customers? We are not asking for the logistical management of the Normandy landing! I am sure the Red Bus has lots of complications, but the MTA is much better at tracking thousands of buses along thousands of city streets. This is a 2 mile long bus route.

I forwarded the request for an additional Red Bus Stop at Rivercross building and Mr. Phillips comment to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal, RIOC Directors and RIOC Transportation Manager Cy Opperman.

Mr. Opperman replied

On Monday July 25, 2016 the 10 AM Octagon local bus ( # 5 ) was taken out of service, because of a rear door electrical problem. Also we are evaluating the request for a bus stop at 507 Main Street.

I also asked Mr. Opperman

... is the Next Bus Red Bus Schedule App still working?

Residents have told me that app does not work any longer.

Is there another Red Bus schedule app being used?

Mr. Opperman replied:

The app is still up and running. As you know already, the signal does get lost at times under the Ed Koch bridge, however bus movement can be tracked by the app.

There are a few steps when tracking the Red Bus on the app.

On the NextBus main page hit Menu, select agency, scroll down to New York and click Roosevelt Island, now users should click Red Bus, choose Northbound or Southbound, choose their stop, then click to view map where the buses will appear.

Next Bus Roosevelt Island Red Bus app is here and can be downloaded here.

RIOC Director David Kraut provides some historical background on Roosevelt Island Red Bus stop at Rivercross building:

When there was a stop at 505, the next-previous stop was in front of the Stationary Store, so the spacing was natural. The stop was moved to behind the Chapel when we obtained new, longer busses sometime in the mid- 1990's.

Moving that stop lost the Stationary most of it's newspaper business.

When Is Roosevelt Island Red Bus Scheduled To Arrive At Your Stop? Check Out Current Version Of Next Bus App To Find Out

A reader asked today about the status of the Next Bus Roosevelt Island Red Bus App:

Just wondering if you happen to know what happened to the Red Bus app...? It was great to have:)

I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Several residents have asked me why the Next Bus Red Bus app is no longer working.

They found it very helpful to know when the next Red Bus is arriving.

Has it been discontinued without any replacement?

My app was installed when service first began.

Is there a more current Roosevelt Island Next bus app?

RIOC responded that the Next Bus Roosevelt Island Red Bus App is working

but make sure you download the most recent version.

 According to RIOC:

The RIOC Red Bus makes all local stops every fifteen minutes from 5:45 AM until 2:30 AM every day. Please see the tables below for Regular, Rush Hour and Octagon Express service schedules. There is no fare to ride the Red Bus. Friday and Saturday night service is extended until 3:30 AM.

Image From RIOC

Click here for more information

Image From RIOC

on Roosevelt Island transportation from RIOC.

Roosevelt Island Red Bus, Parking, Bikes Subject Of RIOC Operations Committee Meeting Today - Bike Sharing Coming To Manhattan Roosevelt Island Tram Station - What Do You Want To See From Transportation Department?

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Transportation Dep't Mission Statement

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Committee is meeting later today to continue their discussion of transportation issues. According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

The Committee will meet to discuss:
1. Parking issues on Roosevelt Island:
a. Bike parking
b. On-street parking
2. Issues related to Red Bus
3. Issues related to NextBus information system
4. Any other Committee business that may be brought before the Committee 

Roosevelt Island resident Mark Lyon shares these thoughts on Roosevelt Island transportation issues:

The next operations meeting is intended to cover bike and red bus issues. I hope that the Corporation will work with Alta Bike Share to get stations on the island (and that they take down the "no overnight bike parking" signs for private bikes).  Being able to take a bike from Motorgate to the Subway/Tram and back at the ends of my commute, instead of waiting for the Red Bus, would be awesome. I'm certain others would enjoy it as well.

While thinking about the Red Bus, though, I'm shocked by the silliness of paying my quarter each way. I often see people board and not pay (not just students), completely unchallenged, which makes me feel like a fool for ponying up my change each way. According to the budget, the fares will be going up this year to help recoup some of the $1,068,960 expected subsidy.  It appears that the Red Bus will cost $1,554,960 to operate in the 12-13FY.

Wouldn't it be easier and more effective to pass that cost along as an assessment for each residential unit?  I can't find anything on RIOC's site that gives an accurate count of residential units, but the USPS EDDM system shows 4,992 residential mail locations in 10044. That's around $312/year/unit.  Less than a dollar a day per apartment. Not a bad deal at all.  With a bit of balancing, the impact on low-income tenants could be reduced without having a significant impact on other apartments.  The bus would be faster, since it could operate like the MTA's Select Bus Service where people can board from any door, having already prepaid.

Below is an excerpt of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Transportation Department presentation to the RIOC May 21 Operations Committee.



More on the Transportation Department presentation at earlier post.

Here are photos of slides from RIOC Transportation Department presentation to May 21 RIOC Operations Committee meeting (RIOC would not provide a copy of the presentation unless I filed a Freedom Of Information Law Request).

Also learned at last night's Roosevelt Island Residents Association Meeting (RIRA) that there will be a bike sharing station at the Manhattan Roosevelt Island Tram Station at the start of the program. More info on bike sharing here.

UPDATE 6/8 - The Operations Committee agreed to keep the current Red Bus route extending to Southpoint Park without any modification at the present time. They will monitor the situation, gather metrics on how the new schedule is working and then reevaluate in a few months (3-6) to determine whether any changes are needed.

The Operations Committee agreed that bike racks should not be used for overnight storage and that bikes will be removed from the racks if they are there over a certain amount of time that is still to be established. Consideration will be given to those who work late night hours and use the bike racks. Overnight bike storage will be established by RIOC underneath the Motorgate Helix.

Here's the audio web cast of the meeting.

Problems With Roosevelt Island Red Bus GPS Tracking Applications Recently - NextBus Working To Find Solution Says RIOC

 Image From RI 311 See Click Fix

On April 14, this report was submitted to RI 311 See Click Fix:

No current prediction - is nextbus broken? I have been unable to track the Red Bus for several days.

Yesterday, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued this advisory:

Please be advised that we are experiencing difficulties with third party "real time" applications for the Red Bus.

Applications such as "RBT Red Bus Tracking Application" and "RI Bus Tracker Android Application" are currently not operational.

We are diligently working with Next Bus and application developers to fix this issue as soon as possible.

In the interim, Real Time Red Bus information is available at www.nextbus.com

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Here comes the Red Bus.



More on the Next Bus Roosevelt Island Red Bus GPS system from previous post way back in 2009.

Internship Opportunity With NYC Digital, Help Improve the Delivery of NYC Municipal Services - Roosevelt Island Is Already Using Digital Technology To Report 311 Problems, Track Buses, Monitor Parking and May Soon Have Free Island Wide Wi-Fi Access

You Tube Video Explaining Digital NYC

Roosevelt Island resident Jonathan Kalkin shares this opportunity for an internship with NYC Digital.

NYC Digital is seeking an intern skilled in social media tools and strategy. This individual should have excellent communication skills, professional experience in digital media, and mastery of prominent digital media platforms and tracking applications. The intern will play an important role in supporting New York City’s digital media presence by contributing to social media channels and facilitating coordination with City agencies...  

What is NYC Digital? According to it's web site:

The mission of NYC Digital is to create a healthier civil society and stronger democracy through the use of technology that engages, serves, and connects New Yorkers.

To this end, NYC Digital coordinates digital citywide initiatives that support the efficient exchange of information and services between the public and the City of New York government. This includes the user experience and content of nyc.gov, 311 Online, crowdsourcing and participatory media initiatives, and the coordination of social media efforts. In May 2011, NYC Digital released Road Map for the Digital City, a comprehensive plan to make New York city the world’s premier Digital City....

Mr. Kalkin adds:

A great internship opportunity for a Roosevelt Island resident who wants to innovate New York City.

In addition to the New York City government, Roosevelt Island is also attempting to lead the way in the use of digital technology to improve the delivery of municipal resources and services with the recent launching of the Roosevelt Island 311 See Click Fix problem reporting system,

the Next Bus GPS Red Bus Tracking system, an Android Cell Phone Red Bus GPS App developed by a Roosevelt Island resident, a wireless smart parking sensor system and may soon have free outdoor Wi-Fi available from Southpoint Park to Lighthouse Park from NYC Wireless.

More on the use of new technology on Roosevelt Island from previous posts.

Former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Director Jonathan Kalkin Sums Up Experience As RIOC Board Member - Cites Accomplishments and Future Challenges

Image of Former RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin

Former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Director Jonathan Kalkin reviews his tenure on the Board and reports:

Democracy is fragile. As the son of an immigrant who was born in the Dominican Republic and lived under a dictator part of her life, I am reminded of this all the time. The things we take for granted, like voting for our leaders and being able to openly disagree with them and sometimes influence their decisions, is a gift that we miss only when we start to lose it.

Over the past couple of years, I have tried to take the lead on many of the issues that have plagued Roosevelt Island for most of the time we have been here. I took them on because they were difficult. My strong fellow board members followed me into uncharted territory and with little promise of success. Together, we moved forward to reform the way our government and Island worked, with the hope of making this a better place to live.

Affordable housing and privatization is probably the most complex issue that we face on the Island. Due to a constant shift in leadership and administrations, and the loaded nature of the issue, it starts and stops and is never completed. During my tenure as the chair of the Real Estate Advisory Committee, I tried to get the dialogue going between the agencies involved, any questions resolved, and, most importantly, moving forward to completion. I started by setting up a meeting at City Hall with every agency involved, to share documents and resolve any issues going forward. Since the board had never passed a resolution in favor of DHCR’s affordable housing plans, I put that on the agenda and we passed it as a commitment to moving forward in favor of long-term affordability for all Mitchell-Lama buildings. The end result is that the board has passed a lease extension that ensures long-term affordability for Rivercross and, most recently, moved forward in committee with the DHCR affordability plan for Island House. It pleases me that these milestones have been achieved, and I have confidence that our board will make sure that the last portion of this work is completed. I’m proud of our commitment to affordability, and that our resolution and work led to real results.

Main Street retail has been a problem for years, and it was one of the first things I tried to work on as a resident and then as a board member. The Retail Master Lease is proof that an idea can come from a resident and be approved by the Residents Association, move to the board, and become a solution that is mutually beneficial for the government and private business. It secures the present revenue stream for RIOC and shares profits above that, benefits the community with a competitive and vibrant retail environment, and takes government (and the long and onerous RFP process that goes with it) out of the business of retail management for the Island.

There will also be significant investment in the spaces to make them look great for tenants and for the community. However, to be especially successful, I recommend that you go to your favorite off-Island stores and restaurants, and tell them that Roosevelt Island is finally ready to rent stores. The more of you who reach out to entrepreneurs and businesses that you love and bring them to the Island, the better the choices we will have in the future. This plan will not only bring jobs and money into our economy, but Hudson-Related has significant retail experience, and the success of Main Street Retail helps promote the completion of the final buildings of Southtown. That will bring significant revenue for RIOC, which can help secure our promise of long-term affordability for the buildings in Northtown and help pay for our infrastructure and operational needs going forward.

Transportation on this Island has always had a dependability problem, and now it appears to be turning a corner. During my term as chair of the Operations Committee, we installed the Nextbus bus-tracking system, and a consistent schedule. Islanders have developed mobile apps to track the Red Bus Nextbus system, and many of these mobile apps will soon be posted with download instructions and websites at each bus stop. I had RIOC staff and myself meet at Google Headquarters to work on maps and screens at each bus stop so you can see when the next Red Bus is arriving even if you don’t own a mobile device.

 I’ve secured funding for electric-car charging stations for Motorgate, so we can get around greener on the Island. Verdant Power is working with the Island to power this with Tidal Energy. This, coupled with our new transportation manager, should make our transportation system more reliable around the Island. It will take time to get it right, but the foundation is in place to make it work.

Parking enforcement and availability will begin to improve with our smart-parking sensor system, which will hopefully be deployed throughout the Island. This, coupled with lower short-term parking prices at Motorgate, will make sure that people use short-term parking for its intended purpose – to drop off and pick up without double-parking. Public Safety officers are being trained with iPhones so that they can handle violations indicated by the sensors while focusing on keeping the Island safe. Improved parking systems will also make sure our new and improved retail corridor has the ample parking spaces that merchants need to thrive. Less double-parking and additional enforcement of parking rules will make sure that the Red Bus can keep on schedule. Also, a mobile app and street signage will indicate if there is parking available ahead, and allow payment so you don’t have to circle the Island.

Many of these suggestions and issues have been brought up on RIOC’s new RI311 issue-tracking system that is being tested. It is powered by the citizen-311 system SeeClickFix.com. It will soon be on the RIOC website, and it will help the community indicate the issues on the Island and vote up, comment, and take photos of these issues. When issues are resolved, everyone who indicated an interest will get an email notification that it has been closed.

I’m excited to start the next chapter of my life on Roosevelt Island by working on a team that will negotiate a community-benefit agreement with the new university planned for the southern end of Roosevelt Island. I believe this is a unique moment to work on a number of infrastructure improvements, like green affordable energy for everyone on Roosevelt Island, and an extension of the free Island-wide wi-fi Internet plan like the one that I worked on with Verizon and is being completed for Southpoint Park. Ferry service may prove feasible with university help, and a dock study is currently being completed. Ideas like a science school, scholarships for local students, and an advanced library will be negotiated to make sure that this university and Roosevelt Island mutually benefit from our relationship.

Community input and an independent elected board led to these improvements and ensure that they will continue. Ideas like Tram straps and a more stable ride, better stores, and other suggestions that led to a better Island came from the grassroots level. It is that commitment to the community that is threatened each time an unelected board member takes a seat. It unravels the fabric of our community, and despite the best intentions, it is a blow to our democracy and independence. Roosevelt Island is the embodiment of the American Dream, and no part of that dream should be compromised. Don’t let it happen.

The reason for Mr. Kalkin no longer being on the RIOC Board is discussed fully at previous post.

Full Roosevelt Island Agenda At Today's RIOC Operations Committee Meeting - Tram, Bus Route, Bike Sharing, Ferry, WIFI, Green Tech & Other Projects

Looks like the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Committee has a very full agenda on it's plate for this afternoon's meeting. According to RIOC:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

The Committee will meet to discuss:

1. The Aerial Tram Modernization Project progress;

2. Southtown Bus Loop;

3. Motorgate Lighting Project Progress;

4. Bike Sharing RFP;

5. FIOS WIFI Internet Access to Southpoint Park;

6. LCD Nextbus Signage;

7.Motorgate Solar Panel RFP and other Green Initiatives, i.e. LED Lights, Solar power for the Sportspark and the Tram stations;

8. SeeClickFix 311 System Beta Test;

9. Main Street Parking Initiative, and

10. Ferry service.

The RIOC Operations Committee meeting is open to the public and available soon thereafter as an audio web cast.

RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin On How Technology Can Improve Roosevelt Island's Transportation Problems

MTA Chairman Jay Walder Speaks On Transit Technology

Roosevelt Island Board Director Jonathan Kalkin reports on ways to utilize technology solutions in order to improve Roosevelt Island transportation needs. From Mr. Kalkin:

Roosevelt Island has many transportation concerns that can be alleviated through the use of technology. I have been exploring some new and interesting ways to make travel on and off the Island a more pleasant and efficient experience.

Red Bus

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) has direct control over the Red Bus used regularly by almost every Islander. There have been many complaints about the reliability, the bunching that results in service gaps, the route, and the frequency. Some residents argue that we need a firm schedule; others respond that a schedule would increase reliability but reduce frequency.

Both are correct. With increased frequency, you get increased maintenance and operating costs and an increased potential for bunching. With a schedule, you get fewer buses per hour. Some argue that the bus should be free, but the system costs about a million dollars a year, and there’s a deficit even with the present fare.

Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking can improve the system. I pushed for GPS tracking technology as a member of the RIOC Operations Committee. It has been installed, and you can access it on the internet or a mobile device at NEXTBUS.COM (click on Roosevelt Island). You can see when the next bus will arrive at your stop, and time your departure or decide to walk. On a mobile device, you can make the wait-or-walk judgment on the fly. (For cell phones without browsers, the information is available via text message.)

Countdown clocks at the bus stops can help, too. The configuration of Main Street makes it difficult to see whether a bus is coming, but a clock can help you decide whether to wait or walk. Thanks to funding arranged by Assemblymember Micah Kellner, we should have such clocks soon.

Tap cards, which are like EZ-Pass, can also help. Boarding, you pay by tapping your card on a terminal, even without taking it out of your purse or wallet. The system can be designed to alert the driver if someone passes without paying, so that both doors can be used for boarding. Ridership statistics pro- vided by such a system can help us apply for funding for further improvement of the overall system. Merchants can offer discounts for owners of these cards to increase patronage at their stores.

Subway

Improving the Red Bus system is only a start. Once you’ve reached the Tram or subway station, you may find it hard to board.

The MTA says we have enough trains per hour to accommodate our population. In its recent study, Columbia University agreed. But both noticed that trains are often late and, when the system slows down, there are not enough trains.

The good news is that much of this is on its way to being fixed, but the bad news is that it’s going to take years. Signal systems on the F line are at least a half- century old, but are “newer” than on other lines. They won’t be upgraded anytime soon, but it is part of their capital plan.

Human Behavior

Most people need to get to work by about 9:00 a.m., which creates the morning jam that we call rush-hour. Twenty minutes earlier, the Manhattan platform is not yet a clogged mess, but getting people to leave a bit earlier is difficult without an incentive.

Recognizing this, many cities use congestion pricing, charging more at peak travel times. Our new MTA chairman, Jay Walder, adopted this approach in London. Here, it can help spread the load, too.

The MTA also noted that people wait in one small area of the subway platform rather then spreading out. Cars fill unevenly, and boarding is more difficult. Signs can advise passengers to move to the part of the platform served by cars that are less jammed.

Commuters should also contact the managers of their stations about problems. The necessary e-mail addresses are on the MTA website, and I’ve suggested posting them in the stations as well.

Signals

When the MTA updates the current F train signal system, it may introduce countdown clocks on the platforms. Once they are in place, they can post other information, too.

Information about elevator availability, for example, would help the disabled know in advance what problems they might encounter down the line.

The disabled would also be helped by signs at wheelchair-eye-level (with the traditional blue and white colors for such signs), and signs showing the proper way to help a wheelchair passenger board (backward) would be helpful. And the MTA should mark the floors of the subway cars and the wheelchair loading area with signage to reserve space for wheelchair passengers.

Funding

Partial funding and ideas should come from private industry and open-source (free) software com- petitions. The initial GPS Red Bus installations were funded by the developer of The Octagon. Verizon FIOS will provide the internet infrastructure that will power much of the technology discussed in this article. Subway screens can be designed with open- source software competitions, and can be supported with on-screen advertising. Private industry can innovate at a greater speed than government bureaucracy.

Technology won’t solve all our transportation problems, but it can make our commute easier as the Island’s population grows. We were once at the forefront of technology in New York City, and there is no reason why we can’t lead again.

More information here on how to contact the MTA's Subway Line Managers including the one for Roosevelt Island's F Train.

Mr. Kalkin's report also appeared in the 1/30 Main Street WIRE as part of a series on the future of Roosevelt Island.

Google Android Cell Phone Application For Roosevelt Island GPS Red Bus Service - How Cool Is That!

Roosevelt Island Android Phone GPS Red Bus Image From RI Bus Tracker

When thinking about New York City Sillicon Alley neighborhoods known for early adopter geeks and innovative use of wireless technology you might include, among others, Chelsea, Flatiron, Lower East Side and Williamsburg. Well, don't laugh but Roosevelt Island may be inching its way on that list as well with the introduction of a brand new Google Android Cell Phone Application for its residents.

From Roosevelt Island resident Vinicius Fortuna.

I wrote you before about the "Roosevelt Island Search Engine".
Now I'm writing to let you know that I have recently launched the "Roosevelt Island Bus Tracker" for android phones. The idea is to track the red buses so you know whether you should wait or walk, and make your own predictions (since the ones from NextBus can be unreliable). You can also see how many buses are running at any moment.

More information and screenshots can be found at ... ribustracker.viniciusfortuna ...

One known issue is that I don currently track the Octagon express or the Firehose buses. They are the extra buses that run on rush hours. I plan to add those when I have some more time. (this is all done in my free time, for "fun" :-) )

I hope you can give it a try, and feel free to post something in the blog.

I use the Apple Iphone so can't use the application but if you use Android, give it a try. Vini is also working on additional features such as MTA advisories.

More on Roosevelt Island Red Bus GPS Tracking System from Next Bus here. Also, RIOC President Steve Shane's November 18 report (item 8) indicated problems with the Next Bus GPS Tracking system:

Red Buses: Two new Hybrid Buses are delivered and on the street. Look for Numbers 5 and 6. The Nextbus system vendor has not been able to get the GPS transponders onto the new buses, so the reliability of Nextbus is temporarily up in the air. We are cooperating, but not in our control.

but RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin Tweeted later that the problem has been resolved:

Contacted NEXTBUS.COM other day and they will be putting GPS trackers on the 2 new Roosevelt Island Red Buses by today! Nice!

Report From RIOC's President - Upcoming Board/Town Hall Meeetings, Temporary Ferry Service, Tram Outage, Tree Lighting & Other Roosevelt Island Issues

Image of RIOC Logo

RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane updates us on RIOC Board Nominees, December 10 Board Meeting followed by Residents Town Hall, FDR Memorial, Green Rooms/Wild Gardens, Tram Overhaul, various construction projects, Public Purpose Funding, consultation with RIRA, possibility of temporary ferry service during tram outage, problems with NEXT BUS GPS tracking system, Sportspark Pool opens, Happy Thanksgiving Wishes, Christmas Tree Lighting on December 3 and other issues of concern to Roosevelt Island.

November 18, 2009

1. Board of Directors: November 5 meeting cancelled for lack of agenda. The nominations of Margie Smith and Mike Shinozaki to the Board and the re-nomination of Dr. Grimm are still pending confirmation by the NY State Senate. Next meeting Thursday, December 10 at 4:30 PM, Town Hall to follow.

2. Southpoint:
(A) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: The work continues; Phase 2 to complete the park, including finish grading, capping, and utilities, fencing and planting to follow.
(B) FDR Memorial: RIOC continues with the round robin among City, State and FERI lawyers. The scheduled meeting with Commissioner Ash was cancelled because of her scheduling conflict to be reset as soon as possible.

3. Tram: On schedule for shutdown March 1, 2010 and reopening end of August 2010. As regulatory and budget issues arise, we are revising our station upgrade aspirations until available budget is determined. Nothing will interfere with the operational overhaul of the Tram and its earliest possible return to service.

4. Projects: Work is ongoing on many projects and others are being completed. Motorgate lighting experiments continue; resurfacing and waterproofing work postponed until Spring. AVAC enclosure work under way. Swimming pool at Sportspark reopened by November 9. Rehabilitation of the gym (bleachers, flooring and padding), ADA compliance and installation of a fire safety system is underway. RIOC is studying solar panels for the rooftop of Motorgate with NYPA. Octagon sewer connection restoration from the water tunnel to begin, allowing reopening of the comfort station. Octagon field back in operation with natural surface, but with settlement of issues about artificial surfaces, ready to resume the project for new drainage, lighting and surface.

5. Coordination with RIRA: A long list of matters of common interest is being discussed so that everyone’s input will be available. Parking, red bus scheduling, Good Shepherd Plaza, landscaping, public purpose criteria, budgeting, etc., etc.

6. Ferry: Explored temporary service at the existing pier at the meditation steps while the Tram is out next year, but underwater rock formations make spud pier infeasible. Now operator is reviewing the old oil dock on the east channel behind the steam plant and is scheduled to be on Island Friday the 20th. Subject to engineering clearance, approvals from the Coast Guard, if there is sufficient ridership interest based on surveys for a service to 35th Street and maybe on down to Wall Street during rush hours, and with the Board’s approval and commitment of approximately $100,000 to subsidize for 6 months, maybe there will be ferry service during the Tram shutdown. Participated in the RIRA sponsored meeting of all interested parties, but little new light shed. Will keep everyone posted. The City’s indicated schedule for proceeding with the proposed ferry service at the Octagon is end of 2010, at best.

7. Public Purpose Fund: For interested parties for the 2010/11 cycle, see the RIOC website. Applications should be prepared and submitted as soon as possible. For any group needing assistance, please call Erica Wilder in our office. RIRA will again be asked to give recommendations and the ultimate funding decisions will be made by the Board to be included in the next RIOC budget.

8. Red Buses: Two new Hybrid Buses are delivered and on the street. Look for Numbers 5 and 6. The Nextbus system vendor has not been able to get the GPS transponders onto the new buses, so the reliability of Nextbus is temporarily up in the air. We are cooperating, but not in our control.

9. Trees: Happy to enable new trees to be planted across from PS 217. Kids participated and a good time was had by all. The NYPA program is really a help.
10. Swimming Pool: With the newly refurbished pool, programs of water aerobics, mommy and me, water polo, learn to swim and adult master swim are all in the works. Come on out and get in the pool! See information on our website and as published in the WIRE and blog sites.

10. Swimming Pool: With the newly refurbished pool, programs of water aerobics, mommy and me, water polo, learn to swim and adult master swim are all in the works. Come on out and get in the pool! See information on our website and as published in the WIRE and blog sites.

11. Blackwell Park: Planning for new Blackwell Park is an ongoing collective effort to incorporate various community constituencies, but not without different stakeholders having divergent views.

12. Holidays: Finally, Thanksgiving is next week; enjoy. Year end is rushing towards us. Christmas tree lighting scheduled for December 3 at Blackwell House.

This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 11/21/09 Main Street WIRE.

UPDATE - 11/24 - In response to Item 8 of RIOC President's Report concerning Next Bus GPS System for new hybrid buses, RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin Tweets:

Contacted NEXTBUS.COM other day and they will be putting GPS trackers on the 2 new Roosevelt Island Red Buses by today! Nice!

Problems With Roosevelt Island Next Bus Red Bus GPS Tracking System Today - Not Working

A reader sent in the image above indicating that there were problems with the Roosevelt Island Next Bus Red Bus GPS Tracking System this morning at 9:53 in front of the Good Shepherd Chapel. It was not working.

I tried the Next Bus prediction for the same stop at 1:30 PM and it still is not working either at the Good Shepherd Chapel or for any of the Roosevelt Island stops.

In order for the system to be of use, it must be absolutely reliable and so far today it is not.

More here on the Roosevelt Island Red Bus Next Bus GPS Tracking System.

UPDATE 2:30 PM - RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin looked into the problem and reports:

Already notified NEXTBUS about the problem. Notified RIOC as well. Please inform your readers that if they see any problem to email website@nextbus.com I am working with them on a number of issues before we go live with the LED signs.

and:

System is now back online. Problem solved.

Wow - if only all our problems were so easily solved!

MTA Installing Experimental LCD Screens To Show Passengers When Next Train Arrives - Will Roosevelt Island F Train Station Get One Of These?

Image From Gizmodo

One of the more frustrating experiences for riders at the Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Station, or any other station for that matter, is standing on the platform waiting, waiting and waiting some more for a train to arrive. Not knowing when a train may come, the only thing passengers can do is stare down the tunnel looking for the train lights to appear or accept there is nothing you can do about the train's arrival and just read your paper, listen to your Ipod or get lost in your own thoughts.


According to Gizmodo some relief may be coming with an experimental new MTA program to place screens on subway platforms that show exactly where the trains are on the line and how long it will take to arrive at your station.

As a New Yorker, this gets me very excited: the Bedford Ave L station just got an LCD screen that shows exactly where all the cars on the line are, so you know how long you'll have to wait...

RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin likes this idea and Tweets:

Going to ask MTA to do this on F on Roosevelt Island. LCD screens that show when the next subway is coming.

The NY Times had a recent article reporting on the plans of new MTA Chairman Jay Walder's plans for the NYC Bus and subway system including:

...He wants to introduce the contactless fare cards — which can be quickly waved over a sensor — to the subways and buses, reducing boarding times. And he wants GPS devices on buses so passengers can tell when a bus is coming, even if the familiar bulky shape is not visible on the horizon....

Roosevelt Island is already ahead of the MTA in the use of a GPS Bus Transit system as we have been using the Next Bus GPS for the Roosevelt Island Red Bus since last January. Mr. Kalkin has also been exploring the use of contactless fare cards for the Red Bus as well.

Image of Contactless Card From Ride UTA

Who knows - Roosevelt Island may become a laboratory for public transportation ideas?

Roosevelt Island Red Bus GPS Tracking System In Operation and Working!

Waiting for the Bus image from Amy Kim Ganter

Perhaps the days of Roosevelt Islanders waiting on the street corner in the freezing cold, rain or snow not knowing when the next bus to arrive are over.

I received the following message from Elle Erickson of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Communications Committee:

I am hoping this will come up at the RIRA meeting, but I could not wait until then to pass it on – people NEED to know!

The Octagon apparently sponsored installation of GPS tracking systems on all the red busses. By accessing www.nextbus.com, people can find out when the next bus is scheduled to arrive at whatever stops they are traveling from. I tested it, waiting for the bus and it actually works! We have identified one glitch, which is that while waiting at the subway for a north bound bus, it will always say the next bus is one minute away because it is sitting at the tram.

Spread the word please- this thing is great!

Here's more on the GPS Tracking system from earlier post.

UPDATE - 2/1 - RIOC Director Jon Kalkin provides some more information on the Roosevelt Island GPS Red Bus Tracking System:

Glad to see that the GPS is getting great support! I am fighting very hard to get this for the whole island. I have seen some people concerned with the fact that you have to check a computer or mobile phone to see when the next bus is coming. My goal is to get LCD screens indicating when the next bus is coming on each of the bus stops. This will not only be convenient for riders, but will help RIOC prevent bunching and keep a more timely schedule. I have forwarded the NEXTBUS map and information to Dr. Lapp and the Columbia University transportation team I got to study these problems. This is a big step in making island travel easier and more reliable.

At the same time that Roosevelt Island is experimenting with a GPS Bus Tracking system, the MTA is canceling a more extensive, multi-million dollar initiative for New York City buses. According to NY 1 (accompanying video of report) via Second Avenue Sagas:

... It's just incredible that in this day and age, we're nowhere closer to being able to know where the buses are at any given point," said Queens Councilman John Liu.

Under a contract awarded in 2005, tracking equipment was installed onboard 185 Manhattan buses. In August of 2007, screens began operating in test mode, but were turned off a few months later because the times were inaccurate. They've been dark ever since.

... The MTA is now in the process of literally pulling the plug on this project. It hopes to disconnect and remove the electronic message boards at the 15 stations in Manhattan where they had been installed, beginning next month.

Perhaps Roosevelt Island can either use the display signs that the MTA is removing from their system or somehow get the benefit of the MTA's contract which is being canceled. If the MTA's options are either losing all the money they paid for the system that they are not using or giving it to Roosevelt Island at a nominal fee might they choose the latter, though I do not know if the MTA's system would work on RI?

Image of London GPS Bus Tracking Signage from Second Avenue Sagas