Roosevelt Island Octagon Building Morning Red Bus Rush Hour Express Route Now Making Stop At Good Shepherd Plaza - Adds A Few Minutes For Octagon Residents But Helps Out Mid Island Residents Says RIOC President

A Roosevelt Island Octagon Building resident asked this morning - Where are the Red Buses?

This morning, the bus that I take every single morning from the Octagon never came. Right now, I’m at the tram and the bus that was supposed to leave 5m ago hasn’t even shown up. For the second time in 2 hours, WHERE ARE THE BUSES??????? @RIOCny #RooseveltIsland

— Alessandro Monetti (@AlexMonetti_) February 8, 2019

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal if there was a problem with the Red Bus this morning. Ms Rosenthal replied:

There was no problem with the red bus this morning. FYI, RIOC notified Octagon management before we added one stop to the Octagon express.

The new stop is at the Good Shepherd Plaza.

One Octagon resident expressed dissatisfaction with the additional morning Red Bus express stop:

Can you explain how the bus service came to the logic that the express bus service from the Octagon needs to stop at the chapel?...

... The Octagon express bus makes a stop now at the chapel.

The 7:00am local lapped us yesterday.

The bus driver announces that we have to stop there now due to a lack of service mid Island. Obviously there is no luck when the local bus also leaves at 7:00 and now beats the express to the tram.

The bus driver one day announced that there should be a stop at the chapel after a lady stood in front of the bus to get on it.

Ever since then it stops at the chapel....

Ms Rosenthal adds:

... There are 4 local buses and 1 express during morning rush hour. The Octagon express is never totally full when it passes the Chapel, while (before adding the one stop), it was not unusual for there to be insufficient space to accommodate all the passengers waiting for the bus at the Chapel when the local arrived; as a result, the local left passengers at that stop—requiring them to wait for the next bus. By adding the one stop to the express, no one is left behind and the only harm to Octagon residents is an additional 1-2 minutes that it takes to load passengers at the Chapel. We thought in the spirit of being good neighbors, adding the one stop made good sense...

In the past, the Octagon building management paid for the Octagon Red Bus Express as an amenity for its residents. Don't know if that arrangement has been changed with the new Good Shepherd Chapel stop.

According to the RIOC 2019-20 Budget (Page 14)  RIOC receives 125,000 in revenue from Octagon Red Bus morning rush hour express.

UPDATE 2/11 - Ms Rosenthall adds:

In the original ground lease the monthly fee for bus service was $100,000---I think it increases 2% each year. Tenant’s obligation stops if we discontinue bus service. We receive the bus payment so long as we provide bus service “of a similar nature to that provided …to other residents…”

And the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse reacts:

That’s fair-the deli stop is more central. But part of the issue here was also about folks waiting in the cold (MP people wait in foyer); also sometimes the busses get full by the time they arrive at the church & then don’t stop. Many elderly people living in the WIRE buildings.

— Minnehanonck (@minnehanonck) February 10, 2019

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 Water Main Break On Main Street In Front Of F Subway Station - Street Closed & Red Bus Re-Routed Says RIOC

A Roosevelt Island resident asked yesterday:

What's going on with all the water at the subway station?

Image From Frank Farance

Video From Frank Farance

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Due to emergency water main work by D.E.P in front of the subway station, West Main street will be closed to vehicular traffic from the rear of 405 W. Main street to the Blackwell traffic circle. Further, the Red Bus will turn around at the Tram traffic circle and continue north. Pedestrians wishing to take the Red Bus north of the tram should board the bus on W. Main street in front of the Riverwalk Bar and Grill. PSD will be posted in front of the subway station directing Red Bus riders to the bus stop in front of the Riverwalk Bar and Grill. Subway access will not be affected. This closure will remain in effect until further notice. The reopening of the road will be announced in a future advisory.

UPDATE 8/4 9:30 AM - According to RIOC:

Traffic Restored on Main Street

Following a previous delay, Red bus and Q102 service is utilizing its normal route.

UPDATE 9 PM -

According to

RIOC:

Due to emergency water main work by D.E.P in front of the subway station, West Main street will be closed to vehicular traffic from the rear of 405 W. Main street to the Blackwell traffic circle. Further, the Red Bus will turn around at the Tram traffic circle and continue north.

Pedestrians wishing to take the Red Bus north of the tram should board the bus on E. Main street in front of the Riverwalk Bar and Grill.

PSD will be posted in front of the subway station directing Red Bus riders to the bus stop in front of the Riverwalk Bar and Grill.

Subway access will not be affected. This closure will remain in effect until further notice. The reopening of the road will be announced in a future advisory.

Take A Video Ride On The Roosevelt Island Red Bus Route Loop And See The Sights

Let's take a virtual ride on the Roosevelt Island Red Bus.

Start at the Tram Station travelling North To the Octagon building via Main Street and return south To Cornell Tech And back to the Tram Station.

RIOC Says No New Southbound Red Bus Stop For Front Of Rivercross Building - In Part Because It Would Eliminate 4 Main Street Parking Spaces

Reported August 1:

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.

And n response, RIOC Transportation manager Cy Opperman replied :

...we are evaluating the request for a bus stop at 507 Main Street....

I followed up with RIOC asking for an update last week. RIOC Acting President Susan Rosenthal replied:

For now, there will not be an additional stop there---in part, because it would eliminate 4 parking spaces on Main Street.

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 Absent Early Morning From 10 River Road Manhattan Park Stop Says Resident - Not So Says RIOC

Received the following message from a Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park resident this morning:

The morning Red Bus has been pretty much absent from 5:45am to 6:45 at the 10 River Road stop. This used to be a once in a while occurrence and now it has become the norm. During the fall, spring and summer, most of us just walk to the train/tram, but in cold days like today we rely on the bus. The elderly don't have that option. They all rely on the Red Bus being on time. This morning there was no 6:15, 6:30 or 6:45, the MTA bus did show up at 6:50. This happened 2x last week.

If they’re aware of the problem they should inform the residents.

I forwarded the message about Manhattan Park 10 River Road Red Bus stop

Image of 10 River Road Bus Stop

inquiry to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC).

RIOC replied:

Regarding the complaint sent to you about no buses this morning at 10 River Road S/B on 6:15AM, 6:30AM and 6:45AM, I have attached two screen-shots indicating buses at 10 River Road at 6:18AM

and 6:47AM.

We were missing one in between due to a bus operator shortage.

RIOC Surface Transit operation begins at 5:45AM every day.

Roosevelt Island Red Bus Tram Station Stop Moved Across Street Tomorrow For Cornell Tech Construction Says RIOC

Image Of Temporary Red Bus Stop Opposite Visitors Kiosk

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

The North Loop Road between Sportspark and the Cornell Tech construction site will be closed tomorrow, Friday March 13th, from 7 AM until 6 PM due to construction. Flag persons will redirect traffic.

The northbound Red Bus Stop at the Roosevelt Island Tram Station will be relocated on this date from 7 AM - 6 PM. During this time, the Red Bus will not travel the east-west road behind Sportspark (250 Main St.) but will instead turn west at the Tram Station plaza after dropping off southbound passengers, then continue north. Riders may board the Red Bus at the northwest corner of the Tram Station plaza, opposite the R.I. Visitor's Kiosk. Normal service is planned to resume on Friday evening at 6 PM.

Report From RIOC President Charlene Indelicato - Roosevelt Island New CFO, Red Bus Service Change, Public Purpose Funds Review, Snow Removal, Cultural Center RFP & Sportspark Classes

Image Of Roosevelt Island Red Bus At Tram Station

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Charlene Indelicato sends the following report to the community.

This past week, RIOC welcomed a new member to its staff. Frances Walton, our newly appointed Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Financial Affairs, comes to us with a rich background in public administration, banking and financial management. For more than sixteen years, Ms. Walton served as the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of the Empire State Development. During this time, she directed the agency’s financial functions, including Banking, Investments, Cash Management, Debt Insurance, Budgeting, Accounting, Portfolio Management, Loans and Grants, and their Project Finance programs. She was also responsible for the management and direction of their I.T., Human Resources and Administration departments.

Prior to joining ESD, Ms. Walton served as the Senior Vice President and Director of the State of New York Mortgage Agency’s Mortgage Insurance Fund, an agency which promotes the rehabilitation of New York State communities by providing mortgage insurance to public and private lenders, as well as assisting first-time homebuyers. She was also a Public Finance banker for Chemical Securities Inc. and Lebenthal & Co. Inc. In addition, Ms. Walton has a decade of experience in finance and management positions at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She is a former Executive Board member and Standing Committee member for the Government Finance Officers Association, a current Executive Board member and the past President of the Council for Development Finance Agencies, a Board member and former Treasurer of the Municipal Forum of New York, an Executive Board member and Corporate Secretary of the Metropolitan College of New York, and a Board member of the Northeast Women in Public Finance.

Ms. Walton graduated with an MPA from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She has since worked for thirty-two years in the financial sector with public and private New York agencies and firms. We know Ms. Walton’s tenure here will be beneficial to RIOC and to Roosevelt Island as a whole; we are very pleased to have her on staff.

Red Bus Service Change

Travelers on the Red Bus should be aware that service has been changed due to construction at the southern end of the Island. Until further notice, there will be no Red Bus service to Southpoint Park. Southbound service will terminate at the Transverse Road near the Tramway. RIOC will send out advisories as updates become available. You may sign up for RIOC’s advisory service here: http://rioc.ny.gov/advisorybody.htm. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Public Purpose Funds Applications

The deadline for submission of materials for the 2014-2015 Public Purpose Funds was January 10, 2014. Twelve applications were received by RIOC; the total amount of funds requested is $239,400. Application materials have been forwarded to the RIRA Public Purpose Funds Committee, which will review the submissions and conduct interviews with the applicants over the coming months. The RIOC Board will review their recommendations for the award of grant money in the Spring. The total amount of Public Purpose Funds available for the upcoming grant period is $100,000.

Snow Removal Reminder

Drivers are reminded that in order to prepare the roads for snow removal during and after winter storms, “No Parking” advisories are issued for Main Street and the East and West Roadways. Vehicles that do not abide by these regulations may be summonsed and are subject to being towed at the owners’ expense. During this time, free 24-hour parking is available for Roosevelt Island residents underneath the Helix Ramp and inside the Motorgate Parking Garage (688 Main St.). If you have any questions, please contact the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department at (212) 832-4545 or the Motorgate Parking Garage at (212) 832-4585. You may also visit Motorgate’s offices, located on the 4th floor of the garage. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter and thank you for helping us keep the roadways clear and safe for travelers.

Construction

With the design for repairs to the hurricane-damaged Cultural Center complete, RIOC is moving forward to procure a contractor to carry out the work. The Request for Proposals for the restoration of the Cultural Center was posted on January 28, 2014. A pre-bid meeting for potential bidders was held earlier this week; bids are due on February 24, 2014.

Classes at Sportspark

Sportspark (250 Main St.) continues to offer a variety of free and low-cost indoor classes and programs. Zumba, yoga and ping-pong free play are available three times per week, and the gymnasium opens for free basketball play on Saturdays at 2 p.m. The pool is available for Open Swim sessions seven days a week and offers several swimming and aerobics classes. For more information about Sportspark’s schedule, check online at  rioc.ny.gov/Sportspark.htm or call (212) 832-4514.

Main Street Retail And Island Services Committee Reports To The January 2013 Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council - Stores, Red Bus, Library, Playgrounds, Motorgate, Strollers, Parks, Q102 Among Items To Be Addressed

Below is the Island Services Committee and Main Street Retail Advisory Committee reports to the January 2013 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council.

RIRA – ISLAND SERVICES COMMITTEE (ISC) & MAIN ST. RETAIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MSRAC) REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL MEETING, 1/9/13

Both committees met in a joint session on 1/7/13. 18 members attended, 8 were absent.

MSRAC

• Susan Marcus and Elisabeth Stapen were nominated as Co-Chairs of the committee. The Common Council needs to approve them as Co-Chairs at tonightʼs meeting. 
• The immediate action for the MSRAC is to schedule a meeting with the Hudson-Related Retail Stores Project Manager, Arianna Sacks, to get an update on the project and to discuss community reaction to the first two new stores that have opened – Subways and Main St. Sweets.

 ISC

The ISC discussed key issues we will work on over the next six months:

• Proposed Changes in Red Bus Stops and Operations Frank Farance (Chair-Planning Committee) and Aaron Hamburger (Chair – ISC) will work directly with RIOCʼs Cy Opperman to resolve these issues. 
• New Public Library Marilyn Atkins will follow developments on this issue. 
• Parks & Playgrounds Eva Bosbach will be our lead person on Parks and Playground issues. Some current concerns are improvement in Southpoint Park, Rules for use of FDR Memorial Park, and future relocation of the Blackwell Park tot playground. 
• Motorgate Mickey Rindler will be our “point person” on Motorgate. Motorgate is currently being renovated with new lighting and waterproofing the structure. 
• Full-Services Pharmacy Raye Schwartz will be our lead person on this continuing issue. 
• O-102 Bus Romano Reid was successful in negotiating with the MTA to get another bus stop, mainly to aid residents of Roosevelt Landings. The extra stop will be in front of 504 Main St. Reid has established a good contact with MTA which we can use for future bus and subway issues. 

 Other Issues and Concerns

• Easy and quick access to the Tram for strollers.
• Use of rat poison on Roosevelt Island. 
• Baby & Toddler swim classes at Sportspark.

ISC has a new problem in dealing with RIOC. Previously, our principal contact was Fernando Martinez, VP Operations. With Martinezʼs departure and no replacement as yet, we must develop new contacts at RIOC who have the authority to deal with and resolve issues and concerns from residents.

Aaron Hamburger, Chair - ISC

Let your RIRA representatives know what you think about theses issues.

Changes Starting Tomorrow To Roosevelt Island Red Bus Stop At Tram Plaza - Red Bus Stop Returns To Tram Ramp Area, Kiosk Stop Eliminated

Image of Soon To Be Eliminated Tram West Red Bus Stop

Received the following message from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) this morning

Please be advised, effective Friday January 4, 2013, the Red Bus will no longer stop at the Tram West bus stop (located near the R.I Historical Society kiosk). The Tram West bus stop has been relocated back to its original location just outside the entrance of the Tram Plaza along the east/west road.

The Q102 will continue to pick up passengers at the Tram West Bus stop.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Image Of Current East/West Tram Red Bus Stop

I sent the following inquiry to RIOC Acting President Don Lewis and Transportation Manager Cy Opperman.

Can you please clarify where the Tram Red Bus stop on the east/west road will now be located?

By "original location" indicated in advisory below, do you mean the current bus stop on the east/west road or do you mean the original bus stop location that used to be about 25 feet west, closer to Manhattan, than the current east/west bus stop?

Also, why is the bus stop being eliminated?

Image of former Red Bus Stop By Tram Ramp/Possible New Stop Starting Tomorrow

Will update when answer received. However, I have been advised, though not officially confirmed by RIOC, that the East/West Red Bus stop will return to the original location closer to the Tram Ramp.

Image of Tram Plaza and East/West Road

Looks like no more running down the hill to catch the Red Bus at the Kiosk stop. Will any additional route changes be made such as eliminating the trip to Southpoint Park and a return to going around the Fountain Circle on way back to subway?

More on the Red Bus Stop and Route at the Tram Plaza Station from previous post.

UPDATE 9:30 PM - This evening I saw the Red Bus heading north on West Channel Road, drive past waiting passengers at the Kiosk Bus Stop, turn right at the Kiosk corner, stop at the Tram Ramp to pick up passengers and then go around the Tram Fountain Circle on its way to the subway.

Roosevelt Island Main Street Traffic Is Getting Worse, Worse And Worse According To RIOC Transportation Manager - Future Problems Coming Up With Cornell NYC Tech Construction - Proposes Red Bus Route, Stop and Separate Bus Lane Changes

During the November 15 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Operations Committee meeting (audio webcast is here), RIOC Transportation Manager Cy Opperman

 RIOCTransportation Manager Cy Opperman at Red Bus Stop From Jonathan Kalkin at Yfrog

reported that Roosevelt Island Main Street traffic:

...  is getting worse, worse, and worse with trucks, cars, school buses everywhere, now limos during day and increase at night, cyclists running around the Island and the Access A Ride parking anywhere they want to park ... future problems coming up with the Cornell construction... with 50 more cars going down Main Street, the buses will never make their schedule...

Mr. Opperman's remarks begin at the 2 hour 46 minute mark.

Mr. Opperman proposed the following changes to the Red Bus system in order, he says, to improve it's efficiency.

1 - For safety reasons due to building pillar obstruction, move southbound bus stop at 40 River Road to across the street by the park.

Image of 40 River Road Southbound Bus Stop

2 - Delivery Trucks parked on Main Street Near Gristedes delay northbound traffic. Mr Opperman proposed eliminating the southbound Gristedes Turnaround Red Bus Stop

Image Of Gristedes Turnaround Bus Stop

allowing delivery trucks to park in the turnaround

Image of Gristedes Turnaround

which will improve Main Street traffic flow. Several RIOC Directors pointed out that eliminating the Southbound Gristedes Turnaround Bus Stop may be an additional hardship for elderly and disabled residents who will have to cross the street to the park to get on the southbound bus.

3 - Create a separate bus lane from PS/IS 217 to Good Shepherd Community Center from 7 AM - 10 AM. The separate bus lane will eliminate parking spaces in the area during that time.

4 - Have Octagon Express Bus stop at the Good Shepherd Community Center on way to the subway. However, that may be difficult to get the Octagon owners to agree to since they pay for the bus.

5- Better coordination between the MTA Q 102 bus and the Red Bus Schedule. Mr. Opperman would like the Q 102 Bus to turn South at the helix in the afternoon/evening so it can pick up passengers coming home at the subway and drop them off at Manhattan Park and the Octagon. (Q 102 currently turns north at the helix all the time.)

6 - Eliminate dollar bill in fare box because it causes jams in the fare box and increases lines to get on the bus. Dollar bills are also filthy. (Blue gloves that are put on to count the dollar bills are no longer blue when count is finished)

Mr Opperman suggested that it would be cheaper to run the bus without a fare but RIOC Directors are not likely to go along with that suggestion. According to RIOC Chief Financial Officer Steve Chironis, Red Bus annual revenue is $300 hundred thousand from riders and $100 Thousand from the Octagon Express for a total of $400 thousand annually. The annual Red Bus expenses are $1.2 million for a net annual loss of $800 thousand.

Mr. Opperman also noted that he is seeing more grafitti on the Red Buses, that they are getting dirtier at night and has received complaints by Bus Operators that they have been threatened and cursed at by some passengers. There was even an incident of a kid shining a laser light in the eye of a Bus Operator.

Regarding coordination of Cornell construction transportation issues, Mr. Opperman reported that after an initial meeting several months ago, there has been no follow up with Cornell representatives.

Here's the audio web cast of the November 15 RIOC Operations Committee meeting. The Red Bus discussion starts at 2 hour 46 minute mark.

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.

How's The New Roosevelt Island Red Bus Route Doing? Should Red Bus Circle Around Tram Fountain, Go To Southpoint Park Or Some Combination Of Routes

New Red Bus Route to Southpoint Park From RIOC

Reported last week on the new Roosevelt Island Red Bus route extending to Southpoint Park. During the May 22 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors Meeting, RIOC President Leslie Torres announced that the new Red Bus route had begun and that the lengthening of the route is not expected to add any time to the current route explaining that the existing idling time by the Tram has been removed from the Red Bus Schedule.

Here's Ms. Torres report to the May 22 RIOC Board meeting.



At the May 21 RIOC Operations Committee meeting (audio webcast of meeting is here), the RIOC Directors discussed having the Red Bus route return to it's previous route of stopping at the Tram Station and then going around the water fountain

 Image Of Tram Plaza Turnaround and Proposed Firefighters Field Cutout For Red Bus

on its way north to the subway instead of the current route past the Sportspark and now Southpoint Park before heading north. One suggestion was to have some Red Buses go around the Tram Plaza Fountain and others go down to Southpoint depending upon the time of day. A subcommittee was formed to investigate this matter further. Here's the discussion from the May 21 Operations Committee meeting.