Roosevelt Island Tram Station Elevator Back In Service Says RIOC - When Will It Break Down Next?

The Roosevelt Island Tram Station elevator has been out of service since July 18.

No longer. The Tram elevator is now working according to this Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) advisory sent last evening:

Please be advised that the Manhattan Tram elevator is back in service.

The Tram and station were recently modernized. The station elevator needs to be modernized as well.

Roosevelt Island Tram Enclosure Canopy Project Began Yesterday - No Weekday Tram Service During Off Peak Hours 10 AM - 3 PM Thru February 6- RIOC Providing Red Bus Service To And From Manhattan

Image From RIOC

The Roosevelt Island Tram Enclosure Canopy project began yesterday. According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Please be advised work has commenced today on the Canopy Installation of the Tram Enclosure Project.

The work will be conducted during Tram service off-peak hours from 10 AM to 3 PM Monday- Friday, January 22nd- February 6th.

Please note Tram service will be suspended during off-peak hours only. During that time, Red Bus service will be provided from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan (Please see attached schedules). The Tram will resume normal service during the weekend.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More information available at previous post.

Image From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Tram Station Canopy Installations Set To Begin Next Week - No Tram Service During Off Peak Hours 10 AM To 3 PM Starting Tuesday January 22 For 2 Weeks- Red Bus Service To And From Manhattan Will Be Provided

 Image of Proposed 2010 Manhattan Tram Station Waiting Area

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised work will commence on the Canopy Installation of the Tram Enclosure Project on Tuesday January 22, 2013.

The work will be conducted during Tram service off-peak hours from 10 AM to 3 PM Monday- Friday, January 22nd- February 6th.

Please note Tram service will be suspended during off-peak hours only. During that time, Red Bus service will be provided from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan (Please see attached schedules). The Tram will resume normal service during the weekend.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Below is discussion of Tram Canopy Enclosure project during January 9 RIOC Operations Committee meeting.



Audio web cast of the full January 9 Operations Committee meeting here.

Return Of The Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station Bench - South Staircase Open Too

After an absence of almost two months, the Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station Bench has returned.

I was told that the bench was put back in place last night.

The south staircase in now back in use as well.

Roosevelt Island Tram On Steroids Speeding Across East River - How About Extending The Tram To Queens Suggests Silvercup Studio Owner, Ask Cornell During Tomorrow Night's CB 8 Task Force Meeting

Have you ever wished that the Roosevelt Island Tram would speed up a bit on its trip across the East River? Your wish is now granted.

You Tube Video of Time Lapse Roosevelt Island Tram Trip

How about extending the Roosevelt Island Tram to Queens? During a meeting of the Long Island City Partnership, Alan Suna of Silvercup Studios asked that very question to George Fertitta, President of NYC & Company. According to the Queens Gazette:

... At question time, Alan Suna of Silvercup Studios asked Fertitta if he knew how many passengers the Roosevelt Island Tram carried annually. Fertitta said he couldn’t answer the question at the moment but could find out. Suna called the tram “iconic” and said he would like to see it extended from Roosevelt Island to Queens, which would allow traffic back and forth to the Cornell/Technion science campus when it is built at the south end of the island. Fertitta found that idea “cool” and quickly made reference to the ferries that have come into existence fairly recently, using the East River shoreline in Queens as a docking point to and from the other boroughs. He said that venture is “unbelievably successful”. The bike share project that is near launching in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn will, among other things, be a “tremendous tourist opportunity”....

Cornell will be presenting its latest plans for the Roosevelt Island Cornell Technion technology campus tomorrow night during Community Board 8 Task Force meeting to be held at the Seniors Center (546 Main Street). Perhaps one of the transportation items for Cornell to consider is building a Tram extension to Queens.

As reported in this previous post, the answer to Mr. Suna's question on Roosevelt Island Tram ridership statistics for 2011 is: 

... RIOC is excited to announce that a record 2,109,878 people rode our Tram in 2011, the first full year since the Tramway modernization project was completed. That’s over 5,700 riders per day!...

The Roosevelt Island Tram is more than just for transportation - it's also a ride as Jerry Seinfeld explained in 1977.

Operational Kinks And Minor Glitches Being Worked Out On The New Roosevelt Island Tram System, But It's Still Great To Have It Back In Service - More Scenes From the Tram's Grand Opening Celebration

Image From Duc Le

There are still a few kinks in the new Roosevelt Island Tram system that need to be worked out. A Roosevelt Island resident sent in this video last evening just after 6 PM and is heard asking

Are you sure you want to get on this thing

and reported:

Tram stalled just now.

I followed up a little later asking if it was still stuck and received this reply:

it just was stopped for about 10 minutes, I asked and the operator just said there are still a few kinks in the system.

Some residents also experienced problems on Tuesday's evening commute home, the night of the Grand Opening Celebration (Video of the new Tram's maiden voyage over the East River is here). One Roosevelt Island resident reported:

As an Islander, I am keenly disappointed in my first experience with the new tram.  Shortly after 6:30PM, I boarded the north car which stopped 3 times shortly after leaving the loading dock.  We dangled over 2nd Ave. for a few minutes, then finally, the car resumed moving, but at a truly glacial pace, crawling across the bridge for a journey that probably lasted 12-15 minutes.  The south car was traveling at normal speeds and passed us twice, once in each direction.  It was very tense and uncomfortable for us passengers in the car, which was only exacerbated by the incompetent, ignorant tram operators who had no communication skills whatsoever. They never indicated what was happening, nor why we were traveling at such a slow speed. 

I had truly been looking forward to my first ride back, but RIOC needs to make sure all of these kinks are worked out in the system, and to hire competent, confident tram operators.

Another resident wrote this comment to Tram Service Resumption post:

Does a stoppage make news? this evening at around 6.40 pm, the Island bound cabin came to a sudden halt about 2 tram lengths away from the Manhattan side, actually an emergency stop. Their were two operators in the cabin , along a with about 50% load. The two operators had no clue as to what was going on and even admitted it.They fiddled with controls and were finally told on the radio not to do anything. After a five minute wait, they hit the start button and it lurched to an emergency stop again. Next it was a 10 minute wait with no communication to the passengers. All this time the tram cabin was over 2nd ave. Passengers requested that they return to the dock, which was quite close by. REquests were ignored. (dint we hear that the cabins could move independently ?) The tram then crawled, yes crawled over the river with frightened passengers worried that it would come to a halt again. Still not a word from the operator and his buddy. finally it docked on Roosevelt Island with no word of explanation.Apparently the tram personnel claim it was a deliberate sabotage by someone who was pressing an emergency stop button. This was validated by public safety radio which was crackling about the issue , and the arrival of PSD cars. Did the tram people take an unnecessary risk by continuing to try and operate after the sudden stops ? What is the real story ?

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez about the Tuesday evening incident. Mr. Martinez replied:

With any major infrastructure system, despite extensive testing and inspections, it is normal to experience very minor glitches at the start of operations.  This particular incident  was caused by a dirty filter.  It was immediately addressed, and the Tram was returned to service.   The reaction and comments made by the Tram employees are unacceptable.  I have already addressed my concerns with Poma.  Poma will provide additional training to the employees.

As far as the second day of operation, the Tram operated without interruption.  The Tram was not affected by the wind gust of up to 55 mph.  It was able to operate as designed and remained in service through the entire wind event.  The Tram operated at 4 meters per second or half speed and occasionally slower speeds were needed at the tower crossings.  The old tramway would have  closed at 40 mph.  The new system performed as designed.

I understand that these minor kinks are to be expected, hope that's all it is and am very glad that the Tram is back in service.

Following up last Tuesday's post on the Grand Re-Opening of the new Roosevelt Island Tram and it's resumption of service for residents and visitors, here's some more scenes from the festivities.



The morning began with lots of media coverage and an inaugural ride back and forth for selected dignitaries and members of the press. For the record, I was included in the latter category.

Before the inaugural ride, the champagne bottles were made ready

and the passengers gathered anxiously for their first ride.

Some experienced passengers were relaxing before take-off including former Mayor and avid Roosevelt Island Racquet Club player David Dinkins who reminded riders to hold on for their safety as we began our journey.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy greeted Greg, an original Tram Cabin Attendant from it's inception in the late 1970's

right before Greg pushed the button to start the Tram Cabin on it's first scheduled trip across the East River to the Manhattan Station

with RIOC personnel, NYC officials and representatives from Poma, the contractor and operator for the new Tram on board.

We made it safely and quickly to the Manhattan Tram Station

and were greeted by high ranking officers of the NYPD and FDNY

as well as Assembly Member Micah Kellner and Council Member Jessica Lappin.

Then the POMA representatives popped the Champagne, after having a bit of trouble with the cork,

and RIOC President Leslie Torres made some brief welcoming and congratulatory remarks.

Then we got back on the Tram

headed to Roosevelt Island

to be welcomed by a brass band

and crowds waiting for their turn on the first new Tram Ride open to the public.

David Kramer, Southtown's Riverwalk Developer and bidder for the Main Street retail Master Leasehold,was also present for the Roosevelt Island Tram Re-Opening Day festivities.

 

But before the public could ride the Tram, came the Grand Opening Ceremonies with remarks by RIOC President Leslie Torres (statement is here), POMA representatives, Borough President Stringer, Assembly Member Micah Kellner, State Senator Jose Serrano and City Council Member Jessica Lappin. Their statements are at the end of this post.

Image From RIOC's Facebook Page

Then the ribbon cutting ceremony

 Tram Ribbon Cutting Image From Duc Le

and after 9 long months, the Roosevelt Island public entered the new cabins to journey on their first trip on the new Roosevelt Island Tram.

At the Manhattan Station we exited the Tram

and then either stayed in Manhattan or returned on the next Tram with another long time attendant Dave

as RIRA President Matt Katz was being interviewed on New York 1

and we enjoyed our East River view.

 

Upon our return to Roosevelt Island, RIOC Director Jonathan Kalkin was interviewed by the BBC,

RIOC General Counsel Ken Leitner had some fun with the ribbon cutting scissors

and others dug into this Roosevelt Island Tram cake

provided by Alphonse and the other good folks at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill.

Finally, evening arrived and the end of the new Roosevelt Island Tram's first day of service.

There were some kinks as described above, some people tripped over this bump in front of the Tram cabins and the cabins did sway more than I expected near the Tram Towers

 but I sure am glad that the Tram is back in service.

There was one person missing who was instrumental in getting this new Tram approved and that was former RIOC President Steve Shane.

 Image of Steve Shane On March 1, 2010 At Beginning Of Modernization Project

During the Tram ride back from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, I asked RIOC's VP Of Planning and Intergovernmental Affairs Rosina Abramson if Mr. Shane was invited to the Grand Opening Ceremonies. Ms. Abramson replied that Mr. Shane was out of town playing in a Bridge Tournament. I asked again if Mr. Shane was invited and Ms. Abramson said that she was not involved in the invitation process. I asked her who was and she responded by saying that she did not want to talk further about this subject.

Here's some more scenes from the Roosevelt Island Tram's Grand Re-Opening Day.



Our elected officials had this to say about the Roosevelt Island Tram Grand Re-Opening. From Borough President Scott Stringer:

 The Roosevelt Island Aerial Tram is a New York City landmark that has been sorely missed for the last nine months.

Since opening more than 30 years ago, the tram has become a true icon along the East River skyline

By moving over 2 million passengers between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island each year, the tram has proven to be a critical component to Roosevelt Island's transportation infrastructure

And now with the completion of the Four Freedoms Park on the horizon, the tram is sure to bring even more New Yorkers to the Island

With its increased efficiency, stability and a new State-of-the-Art design, the new tram will provide an enhanced transit experience for Roosevelt Island residents, commuters and tourists alike

We are delighted to welcome the Roosevelt Island tram back into rotation!

Assembly Member Micah Kellner:

Thank you Leslie. Good morning everyone.

I'm so glad this day has finally arrived. Roosevelt Island without the Tram is like Brooklyn without the Bridge. While most New Yorkers struggle to push onto crowded subways and buses each morning, Roosevelt Islanders can once again fly to work every day with the greatest city in the world spread out at their feet.

Originally the Tram was meant to be only a temporary solution until a subway connection to the Island could be completed.

But the Tram became more than just a stopgap measure—it is the defining symbol of Roosevelt Island, a unique form of transportation for a unique community.

While the skyline below has been transformed with time, the Tram remains an icon of New York, immortalized in films like Woody Allen's Manhattan—taking off to the tune of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue—and from Sylvester Stallone saving the day in Nighthawks to Spiderman rescuing Mary Jane, the Tram has been at the center of so many high wire action films. It has even become a fashion statement—you can buy your very own Tram earrings at the Roosevelt Island Historical Society kiosk just a few steps away from here. An accessory no woman should go without.

But after 30 years of service the Tram needed a reboot. And now we have version 2.0—faster, steadier and more reliable than ever before.

I'm particularly proud to have preserved the funding for the Tram upgrade over several budget cycles—ensuring that New York State keeps its commitment to Roosevelt Island's infrastructure.

Roosevelt Island is an extraordinary place. Riding the Tram, you can hear people of all ages talking in half a dozen different languages about small-town life in the middle of the big city. When visitors ride the Tram to the Island, I hope they know they’re landing in a community like no other in the world.

I congratulate all those who worked so hard to make this project a success, and I’m especially happy to welcome back the great men and women of the Operating Engineers who make the Tram run each and every day.

City Council Member Jessica Lappin:

 The Roosevelt Island tram is a New York City icon.  It’s been in movies and TV shows – but for New Yorkers, and Island residents, it’s more than that: it’s a vital transportation link to Roosevelt Island.

Millions of people depend on the tram each year.  And now it’s modern, safer, and better than ever.  I’m glad this overhaul is complete and the tram is back in service, particularly because the Island is so starved for transportation options.

I want to congratulate Leslie Torres, Fernando Martinez and the entire team at RIOC for all of their hard work making this day happen.

Now we will all be able, once again, to enjoy the unique views the tram offers.  It makes for one beautiful commute.

 and State Senator Jose Serrano:

 As the Roosevelt Island community continues to expand, it is important that its facilities and services reflect that growth. The extensive improvements to the tramway system will greatly benefit New York, as they will continue to ensure a safe, fast, and reliable ride for both residents and visitors of the island for years to come. We have all been anxiously anticipating this inaugural ride, and I would like to thank the RIOC Board and its President, Leslie Torres, for all of their labors, which have made it possible for commuters and tourists to now enjoy the increased efficiency of the modernized Tram."

Here's coverage of the Roosevelt Island Tram Grand Re-Opening from the Main Street WIRE.

Roosevelt Island Tram Resumes Service Today - Hurray!!!!!!!!

The Roosevelt Island Tram returns to service today.

UPDATE 1:10 PM - Well, the Roosevelt Island Tram Opening Ceremony is over now - great job by RIOC, POMA and everybody else who was responsible for it. As one of the passengers on the new Tram's first ride over the East River remarked:

It's Good To Be Back To Normal

Here's what the maiden voyage of the Roosevelt Island Tram was like courtesy of You Tube and ronigareth.

Part 2 of Tram's Maiden Voyage

According to RIOC:

The completely rebuilt Roosevelt Island Tramway opened today, following a nine-month modernization project which replaced the previous 33-year-old tram system. The new tram reduces travel time, permits both cabins to start on the side with highest demand during rush hour, and includes extensive safety measures. The tram system is managed by Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), a New York State Public Benefit Corporation in charge of the management of Roosevelt Island.

"Roosevelt Island's Tramway is once again the most modern urban aerial transportation system in the world," said Leslie Torres, President of RIOC, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new tram. "It's built to serve residents, business, and tourists for the next thirty (30) years." Roosevelt Island is currently home to approximately 12,000 residents, open spaces, recreation areas, six landmarks, schools, and shops. The Tram continues to be part of the Metro Card fare system, providing free transfers to buses and subways. The infrastructure improvement was funded through a $15 million investment from the State of New York and $10 million from RIOC.

The Tram was designed to be more stable in high winds, eliminate impact of electrical and mechanical malfunctions, and allow for one cabin to continue operations while the other undergoes preventive maintenance. According to Brian Lawler, Commissioner and CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, "We created this tram with the convenience and safety of Roosevelt Island residents, businesses and tourist in mind. A state-of-the-art tram helps further our mission to create a model community of mixed-income housing, small businesses and plenty of open, green space to serve both island residents and the larger City community."

Key innovations for the new Tram include:

•Two separate Tram systems. Each cable track operates independently of the other, allowing for preventive maintenance and other servicing on one side, while maintaining service on the other.

•Cabins that are attached to a double hanger arms, providing for a more stable ride. The cabins of the previous system were suspended from a single hanger arm.

•Built-in operational and electrical back-ups including a separate motor for each cabin, back-up motors for the cabins, and four (4) back-up generators.

Pomagalski, S.A. (Poma), one of two companies world-wide capable of rebuilding the tram, was awarded the design/build contract in 2008, after a competitive selection process. POMA worked closely with local trades and contractors, under the supervision of RIOC and its engineering team consisting of New York based LiRo Engineering and Thronton Thomasetti, and Shea, Carr, Jewel of Denver, Colorado. During the rebuilding process, New York based contractors and employees were retained by Poma to the greatest extent possible. Leitner-Poma, the American affiliate has a five (5) year operating agreement to run the Tram with a New York based crew.

"I have loved New York City since my very first visit in the late 1970's and I find it to be the most fascinating, vibrant and dynamic city of the world," said Michael Seeber, majority shareholder of the Leitner-Poma Group. "For me it is a dream to know that an innovative product from our Group is adding to the glamour and excitement of the Big Apple!"

"We welcome the launch of the state-of-the-art Roosevelt Island Tram," said Senator Gillibrand. "Important, new upgrades to the aerial service over the East River are long overdue and will result in smoother, safer travels. These historic trams will once again be able to provide millions of passengers with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline."

"The tram is not just a vibrant symbol of all that is unique about Roosevelt Island – it's an only-in-New York icon of our great city just like the Empire State Building or Grand Central Station. It's also an extremely active, critical mode of mass transit, and I am delighted to join its thousands of riders in welcoming it back and better than ever!" said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.

"The Roosevelt Island tram is an iconic New York landmark. After months of renovations, Roosevelt Islanders will once again be able to enjoy the unique views and experience the tram as part of their daily commute. I'm excited to be here for the inaugural ride and I look forward to many more rides in the years to come," said Councilwoman Jessica Lappin.

"As the Roosevelt Island community continues to expand, it is important that its facilities and services reflect that growth. The extensive improvements to the tramway system will greatly benefit New York, as they will continue to ensure a safe, fast, and reliable ride for both residents and visitors of the island for years to come. We have all been anxiously anticipating this inaugural ride, and I would like to thank the RIOC Board and its President, Leslie Torres, for all of their labors, which have made it possible for commuters and tourists to now enjoy the increased efficiency of the modernized Tram," said Senator José M. Serrano (D-Manhattan/Bronx):

The tram modernization project was completed on budget and in 9-months time. "This major infrastructure improvement is an example of government at its most efficient. RIOC is thankful for the help, support, and cooperation of Commissioner Joseph Bruno of the Office of Emergency Management, Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Kahn, and Manhattan Borough Commissioner Margaret Forgione, Police Commissioner Kelly, Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, Department of Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Manhattan Borough Commissioner William Castro, Department of Buildings Commissioner Robert Limandri and MTA Chairman Walder. We are also thankful for the help and support of the RIOC Board, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, and Community Board 8. Last, but not least, we are thankful to Governor Patterson, without whose support this project would not be possible," said Mrs. Torres at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York was created by State statute in 1984 with responsibility for the operation and development of Roosevelt Island. A General Development Plan, which accompanied the 1969 Ground Lease between New York City and State, directed the development of "a new community" specifically providing for mixed income housing, an abundance of open space, protection of its six (6) City landmarked buildings, protection of the environment and innovative solutions to New York's technology requirements. ".. a demonstration of modern planners' capacity to harness technology for human use, while enhancing rather than degrading the environment.…", according to a 1976 editorial marking the naming of Roosevelt Island after our 32 President. The Roosevelt Island Plan is now nearly complete. The Four Freedoms Park, a memorial to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is under construction and three more residential buildings are expected within the next few years. The Tram's redesign anticipates increased usage over the coming years.

Here's a picture I took on the first ride this morning from one tram of the other

and some scenes of Roosevelt Island residents attending the ceremony while waiting to take their first ride on the new Tram.

Will have more later.

It's great to have the Roosevelt Island Tram back!!!!!!!

UPDATE 12/2 - More Here.

Great, Exciting, Fantastic News - RIOC Confirms The Roosevelt Island Tram Will Resume Operations Tomorrow, November 30

Image From RIOC

The big news on Roosevelt Island this week is the anticipated opening of the Roosevelt Island Tram. As reported last week, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is planning a Grand Opening Celebration for the Tram on Tuesday, November 30 at 11 AM with regular service starting later that day. I asked RIOC President Leslie Torres this morning:

Has RIOC received all of the final certifications to permit the Grand Opening Celebration to occur tomorrow and the Tram to start regular passenger service?

If so, will regular passenger service begin as soon as the Celebration concludes or later that day?

Ms. Torres replied:

Yes and yes.

As of tomorrow, signs like this will be a distant memory.

 

I walked by the Roosevelt Island Tram Station earlier today. Preparations were being made for tomorrow's opening ceremony

and the press was out conducting interviews with Ms. Torres

and representatives of POMA, the contractors for the Tram modernization project.

The new station turnstiles

and information monitors

were in place.

I even got a look into the Roosevelt Island Tram Control Room

and a look inside the tram cabin through the new larger windows.

Ms. Torres (pictured in the center), RIOC VP of Operations Fernando Martinez (on the right) and CFO Steve Chironis (on the left) were on site checking out the final preparations

Ms. Torres emphasized that Mr. Martinez has done a fantastic job overseeing this very complicated project.

Here's an interesting perspective of how the Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Project is viewed in France, the home of the project's contractor, POMA. A reader, Nicolas, sent in the tip:

You might be interested to watch this video from the main TV channel TF1 at their mid-day news show:

Le tramway suspendu de New York

Nicolas adds:

Sorry, it's entirely in French, and slightly "patriotic" on how great the French technology is.

Don't miss the scene where Spider-Man tries to save a dangling Roosevelt Island Tram from falling into the East River at the 1 minute 50 second mark and here's how the Tram Station was blown up for the movie.

Tomorrow's going to be an exciting day for Roosevelt Island.