According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC), it is illegal to give Roosevelt Island residents and workers
preferential boarding on the Roosevelt Island Tram before sightseeing tourists.
As previously reported, last November, I submitted to RIOC a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request for:
... a copy of the full legal analysis (not the previously released
public statement) that RIOC is relying on for its current position that
resident/worker Tram boarding preference would be illegal. If necessary,
please consider this a FOIL request.
and followed up:
... Also, please include copies of any Franchise Agreement with NYC
that RIOC is relying on to assert that a resident and worker boarding
preference for the Tram is illegal....
On January 8, RIOC provided copies
of the Tram franchise agreements but denied my FOIL request for the legal
analysis. Later that day, I appealed RIOC's denial of my FOIL request for
the legal analysis as well as followed up by asking for:
... any other agreements with any party including the MTA that RIOC is
relying upon to assert that a resident and worker boarding preference for
the Tram is illegal....
On January 27, RIOC denied my appeal for their legal analysis via this
letter.
I replied to RIOC later that day asking:
... Assuming for the sake of argument that the legal analysis is subject to
attorney client privilege, RIOC can waive that privilege and make the
analysis public.
In the spirit of transparency and openness, I am requesting that RIOC waive
any privilege regarding the public release of Tram priority boarding
preference for residents and workers legal opinion and send me a copy of it
so I can publish it for the Roosevelt Island community.
The issue of tram boarding priority preference for residents and workers is
of great concern to the Roosevelt Island community.
Please let me know if RIOC will waive any attorney client privilege on this
matter and make the legal analysis of this very important issue public for
the community to understand. If RIOC declines to waive the privilege, please
explain why RIOC does not want the Roosevelt Island public to see this
information.
RIOC Associate General Counsel Lada Stasko answered today:
Please be advised that RIOC has concluded its review of the referenced matter
and is closing the file. We will not respond to any further correspondence
about this matter.
Thank you for your attention.
Here is the August 28, 2023
RIOC statement
on Priority Service at the Roosevelt Island Tram
Click here to view the Roosevelt Island Tram Franchise agreements with NYC.
I'm still waiting to see if there are any other agreements RIOC is relying
upon for their claim that Roosevelt Island resident and worker priority
preference boarding the Tram is illegal.
... The Community Board has no power to implement such a policy but it's
support may be helpful in persuading RIOC and the Governor to do so....
Well, some progress was made today when NY State Senator
Liz Krueger, who
previously has not been supportive of Roosevelt Island residents and workers
Tram boarding priority, released a statement in support of NYC resident
boarding priority on the Roosevelt Island Tram. According to Ms Kreuger:
The Tram’s popularity during peak tourist season is having a severe impact on
Roosevelt Island residents, causing real hardship on their daily commutes to
work, school, or critical appointments. For this reason, I support the
resolution passed by Community Board 8 requesting NYC residents be given
priority boarding on the Tram.
However, I also understand the complex practical realities that make this
approach challenging to implement, including state Transportation Law,
contracts between RIOC and the MTA, and other franchise agreements with the
City.
I urge RIOC to explore workable options for implementing the resolution and
present their findings to the community. In the meantime, I continue to
press RIOC to increase the speed of the Tram to what it previously was, and
I am pleased that the FCC dedicated signal for the Tram has been approved,
which should expedite this process.
Note that Ms Krueger and Community Board 8 support Roosevelt Island Tram
priority boarding preference for NYC residents, not limited to only
Roosevelt Island residents and workers.
... regarding overcrowding on the Roosevelt Island Tram. I strongly favor
RIOC adopting an action plan that prioritizes access to residents of
Roosevelt Island.
The Tram is essential to the transportation of needs of the community.
There are numerous categories of people who rely on the Tram, including
those with disabilities, senior citizens, workers in all fields, parents
and school-age children. Whether it is used for transportation to a
medical appointment or a place of business, the Tram is a vital mode of
transportation.
While we welcome visitors to enjoy the vibrant life and attractions of
Roosevelt Island, a plan is needed that will result in a reduction of wait
time and an improved schedule that recognizes resident's usage. In the
past, we have successfully advocated for ways to address transportation
issues, including the expansion of RIOC's Red Bus service to ameliorate
sharp service reductions. Similarly, we fought hard to ensure an F train
shuttle during the Direct Track Fixation repairs last year.
Now is the time for RIOC to step up and present an action plan that fully
prioritizes resident use of the Tram.
I have sent a copy of my comments to the RIOC leadership as well....
As a supporter of Roosevelt Island residents and commuters, I value the
importance of ensuring their needs are considered regarding tramway access.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation should ask for further
clarification of existing New York State Transportation laws to determine
the feasibility of prioritizing access to existing public transit.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams supports the idea too:
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is still claiming that any Tram boarding preference for residents is
illegal. Today, in the
RIOC January 2025 newsletter
Interim Leadership report, RIOC continues to claim:
... that while we recognize residents’ efforts advocating for the Tram
priority boarding, the reality is that the Tram is a common carrier and a
form of public transportation subject to state laws and certain inter-agency
agreements....
... a copy of the full legal analysis (not the previously released public
statement) that RIOC is relying on for its current position that
resident/worker Tram boarding preference would be illegal. If necessary,
please consider this a FOIL request.
and followed up:
... Also, please include copies of any Franchise Agreement with NYC that
RIOC is relying on to assert that a resident and worker boarding preference
for the Tram is illegal....
On January 9, 2025, I received this response from RIOC to my FOIL request.
As far as I can tell, there is nothing in the NYC Franchise agreements
provided by RIOC that addresses the legality of Roosevelt Island Tram boarding
priority preference.
After receiving RIOC's response to my FOIL request, later that day I replied to
RIOC:
... Does your response to my FOIL request mean that there are no agreements
other than what you just sent that RIOC is relying upon to assert that a
resident and worker boarding preference for the Tram is illegal?
If there are any other agreements with any party including the MTA that
RIOC is relying upon to assert that a resident and worker boarding
preference for the Tram is illegal, please send me copies and consider my
request an extension of the prior FOIL request.
Also, please consider this an appeal of the decision not to provide RIOC's
full legal analysis for Tram boarding preference....
On January 10, RIOC Associate General Counsel Lada Stasko answered:
Please be advised that RIOC did not enter to any Tramway franchise
agreement with the City other than that was provided to you.
RIOC hereby acknowledges receipt of your appeal below. We will respond to
it pursuant to Public Officer Law (POL) §89(4)(a) within ten (10) business
days of the receipt on January 9, 2025.
RIOC also acknowledges your follow-up FOIL request for additional records.
Please be advised that we need to review the responsive records – which
are inter-agency agreements with MTA - to ensure that they are not exempt
from disclosure under POL §87(2). We will notify you of our progress
within twenty (20) business days.
Thank you for your attention.
On January 13, I suggested:
Can a solution be found that overcomes RIOC's purported legal obstacle for
providing priority Roosevelt Island Tram boarding to those who use the
Tram for essential transportation purposes before those using the Tram as
an amusement sightseeing attraction?
How about this?
RIOC sets up a permitting system to issue an annual Roosevelt Island Fast
Line Pass that is available to everyone, resident, worker or visitor. The
Fast Line Pass must be picked up in person on Roosevelt Island at least 24
hours before it can be used.
The Fast Line Pass allows the holder to board the Tram before a person who
does not have a Fast Line Pass. A person who only rides the Tram as a one
time sightseeing attraction is less likely to obtain the Fast Line Pass
than a regular user of the Tram.
Logistics would need to be figured out for how the Fast Line Pass would
work in practice, but the bottom line is that Roosevelt Island residents,
workers and anyone else who uses the Roosevelt Island Tram for
transportation purposes will have priority boarding over those using it
for one time sightseeing amusement attraction.
Tomorrow the supporters of Roosevelt Island Tram boarding priority
preferences for residents and workers are holding a strategy planning
session. You're invited to share your ideas.
We do not to want to wait while RIOC conducts a search for the new CEO. That
alone could easily take 6-9 months. Presumably, that person will want some
time before taking any big decisions, of which this will be but one of many.
We are not prepared to wait for 12-18 months.
Ben Fhala was among the three local residents, including Lydia Tang and Dr Michal Melamed, appointed to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors last June. During the last 7 months, these three new directors have attempted, with varying degrees of success, to bring some transparency and oversight to RIOC.
Mr Fhala sent the following message yesterday to local Roosevelt Island media.
Dear Roosevelt Island Media,
I trust you had a wonderful New Year. As part of my New Year's resolution, I am committed to fostering more extensive discussions on operational and governance topics, particularly with you. My intention is to engage in ongoing dialogues until I am satisfied with the performance of the communications team, executive leadership, and board oversight concerning our fiduciary duties to RIOC and responsibilities to the community.
These communications do not represent official RIOC or full board responses; rather, they reflect my role as an appointed resident board member. My communications often receive approval from multiple board members and, over time, hopefully from the administration. It is imperative that these communications are published in their entirety to avoid any misinterpretation due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed.
Feel free to respond or challenge any of these communications as you deem appropriate. If you agree, I am willing to address a list of your questions in a structured interview. Should these terms be acceptable to you, I am open to sharing my perspectives on oversight, myself, and general topics of interest.
I look forward to your response. Please understand that, given the significance of these matters, it may take a few days for me to reply. If you decide to publish my communications, kindly ensure they are presented in full to maintain context and prevent any misconceptions.
Thanks,
Ben Fhala*
Resident Board Member
*Disclaimer: All statements made by Ben Fhala are made in his capacity as a RIOC Resident Board member. He does not represent the entirety of RIOC nor the full board but serves as a Resident Board member, offering information to the community and its stakeholders.
A few hours later I responded to Mr Fhala:
Ben & RIOC Board Members
Ben, thank you for your efforts to communicate with the Roosevelt Island community on important issues of concern.
As you may know, there will be no Roosevelt Island F train shuttle service this weekend. As a result, the Roosevelt Island Tram is expected to be even more overcrowded than usual with very long waiting time for residents and workers trying to get back and forth between the Roosevelt Island and Manhattan 2nd Avenue Tram stations.
What preparations has RIOC made to reduce the transportation problems this weekend caused by the lack of F Train Shuttle service?
Will RIOC give Roosevelt Island residents and workers preference on the line waiting for the Tram this weekend? It could be as easy as allowing anyone with a Metro Card preference on the line since most tourists will use the OMNY payment system?
Will Seniors, Disabled and Parents with strollers be allowed to use the Tram elevator without waiting on the line?
Will there be a Red Bus shuttle to Manhattan?
Also, the RIOC General Counsel issued an opinion several months ago wrongly claiming that it would be illegal to create a separate Tram line for residents/workers who use the Tram for essential transportation and others who use the Tram as a Sightseeing attraction.
Is the RIOC Board aware that on December 7, Governor Hochul announced preferential treatment for residents of Queens and the Bronx who use the Henry Hudson Bridge and Cross Bay Bridge with a Toll rebate program which is not available for those who do not live in Queens or the Bronx. See Governor Hochul's announcement here.
If Queens and Bronx residents can receive preferential treatment for use of these bridges not available to others, will the RIOC Board provide a preference for Roosevelt Island residents using the Roosevelt Island Tram? If not, why?
Please let me know if the RIOC Board or staff have any comment on this matter?
Thank you.
Mr Fhala replied:
Thank you for your prompt response.
I am inclined to focus on more enduring questions,
steering clear of any interference with the current administration. My
hope is that lessons were learned from the past shutdown, and
improvements will be evident. I hope that with the track
switch the executive team has coordinated with the MTA to confirm the
station will remain accessible.
As I understand it, PSD will be on-site managing
traffic. I wish to express my confidence in Chief Kevin Brown's ability
to assist commuters, especially those of age, disabled, and with young
children. To my knowledge, there hasn't been any
change in this directive. Despite the known conflicts between certain
resident board members and the executive team, I am optimistic that a
focus on the best interests of both RIOC and the community will prevail.
@Brown, Kevin (RIOC) can you confirm and/or add any additional notes?
In the coming week, I plan to brainstorm with fellow
resident board members articulate more comprehensive answers and
thoughts in regards to your non-weekend specific questions.
A final note to our fellow residents: ther is no doubt
that this weekend will be challenging one; If possible, consider
avoiding the tram this weekend to alleviate stress on the RIOC operated
systems. Instead, explore the alternative options
of utilizing the ferry and the Q102.
@Daniels, Bryant (RIOC), is there anything additional you would like to contribute beyond the advisory sent out?
Thanks,
Ben Fhala*
Resident Board Member
*Disclaimer:
All statements made by Ben Fhala are made in his capacity as a RIOC
Resident Board member. He does not represent the entirety of RIOC nor
the full
board but serves as a Resident Board member, offering information to
the community and its stakeholders.
As stated in the RIOC announcement, this weekend, the MTA will provide bus transportation to subway lines in queens.
The bridge situation in queens and Bronx was overseen by Governor Hochul.
I replied to Ms Christian:
Thank you for the response.
Could you clarify what you mean by:
"The bridge situation in queens and Bronx was overseen by Governor Hochul."
RIOC"S reasoning is that it would be illegal for a preferential resident/worker line at the Roosevelt Island Tram.
Why does RIOC deem it illegal for resident/worker preferences on the Roosevelt Island Tram when it is legal for preferential resident rebates to be given to Bronx and Queens residents using the Bridges?
Is it within the power of the RIOC Board to set a policy of resident/worker preference on the Tram?
If not, why?
Thanks again.
Ms Christian answered:
Below is the quote taken from your email. I merely restated your comments.
"Is the RIOC Board aware that on December 7, Governor Hochul announced preferential treatment for residents of Queens and the Bronx who use the Henry Hudson Bridge and Cross Bay Bridge with a Toll rebate program which is not available for those who do not live in Queens or the Bronx. See Governor Hochul's announcement here."
The answer to your questions can all be solved in your quote.
Mr Fhala, together with RIOC, the Executive Chamber of Governor Hochul's Office as well as other NY State Officials
This is a case about how the Executive Chamber for the Office of
the Governor of New York (the “Chamber”) and the Roosevelt Island
Operating Corporation (“RIOC”) have unfairly subjected Shelton J.
Haynes and Gretchen K. Robinson (“Robinson,” and together with
Haynes, the “Plaintiffs”), two African American executives, to
continuous and pervasive discrimination by, including but not
limited to, subjecting Haynes and Robinson to frequent unwarranted
investigations by the New York State Inspector General (“NYSIG”) as
well as ordering an independent investigation by an outside
counsel—something not done for other, more serious allegations—based
entirely on specious allegations of wrongdoing. The Chamber did so
while simultaneously thwarting Haynes’s and Robinson’s efforts to
fight back against the discrimination and defend themselves and RIOC
against a multitude of defamatory statements made by a local blogger and a group of disgruntled former employees.
After a seven-month investigation by an outside counsel—an
investigation that was wholly out of step with prior practice of the
RIOC Board of Directors (the “RIOC Board”) and referred to by one
RIOC Board Member as a “f****** racist witch hunt”—State officials
close to the Governor, led by Defendants Alejandro Valella
(“Valella,” who provided updates to the Chamber on the
investigation) and Diana Lopez (“Lopez”) intentionally delayed
outside counsel’s publication of a report that exonerated Plaintiffs
of wrongdoing, and instructed outside counsel to sanitize the first
draft of the report to remove and cover up the findings that
confirmed and supported Plaintiffs’ ongoing complaints of
experiencing racial discrimination while working at RIOC. Other
Chamber officials, including Defendants Roger Maldonado
(“Maldonado”), Tania Dissanayake (“Dissanayake”), RuthAnne
Visnauskas (“Visnauskas”), and Lopez, who were aware of the
discrimination findings in the report, have discriminated and
retaliated against Plaintiffs by, among other means: (1) installing
RIOC Board Members (Ben Fhala (“Fhala”) and Lydia Tang (“Tang”))
—who, from the beginning of their board tenures, have been
antagonistic to Plaintiffs—without consulting Plaintiffs (a
departure from prior practice); and (2) preventing existing RIOC
Board Members—who are supportive of Haynes and Robinson—from filling
committee vacancies. Moreover, since Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit,
Defendants have continued—and even escalated— their unwarranted
targeting of Plaintiffs by initiating yet another frivolous
investigation into them, interfering with their ability to do their
jobs, and criticizing them to the media. Through their actions,
Defendants have also subjected Plaintiffs to a hostile work
environment. In doing so, they have made their message to Plaintiffs
clear: GET OUT....
As previously reported, during the Saturday August 26 ASK RIOC Directors community engagement session outside at Good Shepherd Plaza, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board Directors Lydia Tang and Ben Fhala told me:
... Seniors and disabled and families with young children get to cut the line on the Tram because they're special passengers. They can go up to the front of the line and get on the tram before the regular population .
... We heard that from PSD if you're a senior or if you're a person with young children just go to the front of the lines and let them know that. They should allow you to go through....
They also indicated a legal opinion was drafted by the RIOC General Counsel deeming it illegal to provide preferential boarding for Roosevelt island residents and workers on the Roosevelt Island Tram.
On August 29, I asked ROC President Shelton Haynes:
1- During an August 24 Roosevelt Islander Online interview
with RIOC Directors Lydia Tang and Ben Fhala, they report being told by
the RIOC Public Safety Department that elderly, disabled and families
with small kids will be allowed to skip any long line for the Roosevelt
Island Tram.
Is this policy currently in effect? If not, when will it be implemented?
How will this policy be implemented? Will they be given some sort of physical identity card or QR code on their phone?
2
- Please clarify RIOC's statement yesterday rejecting a separate Tram
line for residents/workers because RIOC lawyers deemed such a practice
to be an "“undue
or unreasonable preference or advantage” in violation of the Tram's
status as a "Common Carrier" under NY State law.
There was no analysis in the statement as to why RIOC concluded that a separate Tram line for residents would be an "“undue
or unreasonable preference or advantage".
... Proponents of a separate line for residents/workers would argue that the
Tram is an essential mode of transportation that has limited capacity.
The overcrowding by tourists causing long lines and waiting times
exacerbated by the current F train service disruption has a substantial
negative effect on the quality of life for residents and workers
including elderly, disabled, parents with strollers, students going to
school etc.
It is entirely “reasonable” for RIOC to permit preferential boarding on
the limited capacity Tram for residents who need the tram to pursue
their daily activities over tourists who are using the Tram as a
sightseeing amusement attraction.
Also, several residents have reported that at one time the Tram did give
priority to Roosevelt Island residents over tourists. Here's an excerpt
from May 29, 1976 NY Times article that proves it...
3- Nobody that I’m aware of is asking for a reduction in the Tram fare for
residents. That would do nothing to alleviate the long lines and
overcrowding. It’s a straw man argument. Why did RIOC choose to include that in the statement?
4
- Why did RIOC choose not to respond to my press inquiry yesterday
about the Tram Line legal opinion but instead sent out an email and
Social media statement with RIOC's response to my press inquiry?
I am happy to include RIOC's response in an upcoming article.
There was no response from RIOC.
On August 31, I followed up:
I'm following up on the August 29 email below.
As previously reported on Roosevelt Islander Online, RIOC Directors Lydia Tang and Ben Fhala were told by the Public Safety Department that that
Roosevelt Island residents who are elderly, disabled and parents with
young kids will be able to skip the Tram line and have priority
boarding.
With the Labor Day weekend coming up and expected tourists creating
long lines and waiting times at the Roosevelt Island Tram, please confirm:
Is this policy currently in effect?
If not, when will it be implemented?
How will this policy be implemented? Will they be given some sort of physical identity card or QR code on their phone?
Also, please clarify RIOC's August 28 statement rejecting a separate Tram line
for residents/workers because RIOC lawyers deemed such a practice to be
an "“undue
or unreasonable preference or advantage” in violation of the Tram's
status as a "Common Carrier" under NY State law.
These are issues of great importance to the Roosevelt Island community. Will RIOC provide an answer?
Still no answer from RIOC.
UPDATE 9/3 - From Roosevelt Islander Online Instagram page yesterday
Line for Roosevelt Island Tram at 2:45 stretching up 59th street. Overwhelmingly tourists. Am told takes about 15 minutes to get to the staircase. Platform and cabin jam packed. Tram workers and @rooseveltislandny PSD officers doing a good job managing the line. Am told line was not long earlier in the day before 2:30.
Elderly, disable and parents with strollers given priority to board crowded Roosevelt Island Tram using the elevator. Nobody else can use the elevator. Confirmed by PSD officer today.
Why do you refuse to talk with local residents about vital Roosevelt Island community issues and answer questions from local independent press as well as posting self congratulatory messages in Social Media?
Recently appointed members of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors
Lydia Tang and Ben Fhala continued their community outreach initiative at the August 26 Saturday
Farmers/Flea market.
For the second week in a row, Ms Tang and Mr Fhala set up a table at Good Shepherd Plaza to engage their
fellow residents in a conversation about the upcoming F train service
disruptions (which started today) and extreme overcrowding at the Tram caused
by tourist traffic.
Ms Tang also reported:
... Seniors and disabled and families with young children get to cut the line
on the Tram because they're special passengers. They can go up to the front of
the line and get on the tram before the regular population .
Mr Fhala added:
... We heard that from PSD if you're a senior or if you're a person with young
children just go to the front of the lines and let them know that. They should
allow you to go through....
... We found out according to our General Counsel that it's
illegal... legal counsel says we're not allowed to. It's illegal to have
a separate resident line. So unfortunately we run up into two constraints,
physical and legal....
Mr Fhala added:
... I wouldn't go to the details because we're not lawyers.... I think it's
the best not to go into details...
This morning, I asked RIOC President Shelton Haynes:
During our conversation prior to the OMNY press conference last Thursday you
mentioned that no other RIOC President has allowed a separate Tram line for
Roosevelt Island residents and that it would be illegal to do so. You also
indicated that if you could set up a separate line for residents you would
do so.
I understand that RIOC General Counsel Gretchen Robinson has issued a legal
opinion that it would be illegal for RIOC to establish a separate line on
the Roosevelt Island Tram for residents.
What is the basis for that legal opinion?
I am preparing a story on this subject for this afternoon.
Please provide a copy of the legal opinion which I will include in the
story.
Also, if RIOC wishes to comment on the matter, please let me know and I will
include it in the story.
Mr Haynes did not respond directly to my inquiry, but this evening RIOC sent
out an email statement and
social media message
on the subject of Tram Priority Service for Roosevelt Island residents.
According to RIOC:
Roosevelt Island Community:
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation has evaluated the possibility of
implementing various preferences for Roosevelt Island residents in accessing
the Tram, and we have chosen not to move forward with these proposals due to
various legal and policy constraints. We understand the difficulties this
disruption in F-train service has created for Tram riders (especially
residents), however, we believe the creation of either a priority line or a
reduced fare for residents would violate state law and could have adverse
legal consequences for the Corporation.
Under New York State law, the Roosevelt Island Tram qualifies as a common
carrier, just like the New York City Subway, the Long Island Railroad,
Metro-North or any other mass transit system. Common carriers are prohibited
by law from discriminating against people based on their residency. Per New
York Transportation Law § 101, regarding unjust discrimination:
No common carrier shall, directly or indirectly, by any special rate,
rebate, drawback, or other device or method, charge, demand, collect or
receive from any person or corporation a greater or less compensation for
any service rendered or to be rendered in the transportation of passengers
or property, except as authorized in this chapter, than it charges, demands,
collects or receives from any other person or corporation for doing a like
and contemporaneous service in the transportation of a like kind of traffic
under the same or substantially similar circumstances and conditions.
Likewise, New York Transportation Law § 102, prohibits unreasonable
preferences:
No common carrier shall make or give any undue or unreasonable preference or
advantage to any person or corporation or to any locality or to any
particular description of traffic in any respect whatsoever, or subject any
particular person or corporation or locality or any particular description
of traffic, to any undue or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage in any
respect whatsoever.
Simply put, we cannot discriminate for or against any group of riders based
on their residency, and we believe that either an express line or reduced
fare for Island residents would violate these provisions of the
Transportation Law.
Additionally, we believe that implementing a resident-only fare would
violate the terms of multiple contracts that RIOC has entered over the years
with the City of New York and the MTA. The Tram operates under a franchise
granted by the City of New York and the New York City Council. Under the
terms of that franchise agreement, RIOC must, by contract, charge the same
rates and offer the same fares as New York City Transit. Based on the City’s
franchise, RIOC then entered into agreements with MTA covering fare
collection at the Tram which include the same restrictions. RIOC would
therefore be breaching these agreements if we created any new or different
service than what is provided in the larger mass transit system.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, RIOC is a New York State public
benefit corporation tasked with operating and maintaining Roosevelt Island,
yes for residents, but also for all New Yorkers and any visitors alike. RIOC
is proud of the iconic Roosevelt Island Tram, and we are proud that it is
open equally to all New Yorkers and to the millions of people who visit New
York City every year.
My response to RIOC's statement.
First of all, nobody that I’m aware of is asking for a reduction in the Tram
fare for residents. That would do nothing to alleviate the long lines and
overcrowding. It’s a straw man argument.
Second, the statute cited by RIOC relies on an “undue or unreasonable
preference or advantage” standard.
Proponents of a separate line for residents/workers would argue that the Tram
is an essential mode of transportation that has limited capacity. The
overcrowding by tourists causing long lines and waiting times exacerbated by
the current F train service disruption has a substantial negative effect on
the quality of life for residents and workers including elderly, disabled,
parents with strollers, students going to school etc.
It is entirely “reasonable” for RIOC to permit preferential boarding on the
limited capacity Tram for residents who need the tram to pursue their daily
activities over tourists who are using the Tram as a sightseeing amusement
attraction.
Also, several residents have reported that at one time the Tram did give
priority to Roosevelt Island residents over tourists. Here's an excerpt from
May 29, 1976 NY Times article that proves it.
Resident preference for the Tram was already done. Why not again?
By the way, how was your commute today on the first day of the F Shuttle? Any
problem on the subway or Tram.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
