RIOC Announces Preparations For Large Crowds Coming To Roosevelt Island For Cherry Blossom Season And Warmer Weather - Hosting Online Cherry Blossom Community Preparation Meeting Tuesday April 1, You're Invited To Give Feedback

The 2025 Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom season has begun with trees blooming next to the Roosevelt Island bridge on the east side of Capobianco Field

but not yet in most other areas of Roosevelt Island. 

The blooming of the Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossoms will bring back the hordes of tourists to Roosevelt Island with long lines for the Tram and overcrowded cabins. During yesterday's beautiful warm afternoon weather, we got a small taste of the long Tram lines to come as shown in screenshots from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Manhattan Tram station livestream cameras.

According to RIOC:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

The warmer months always result in an uptick in visitor and pedestrian traffic to the island. With Cherry Blossom season fast approaching, the following controls have been activated and will remain in place through the end of April:

Overcrowding Safety Controls:

• Large crowds on the island will be managed by PSD officers with the assistance of the 114th Precinct.
• Parks will be monitored by PSD throughout the day. Please note that parks will close in the occurrence of overcrowding on the island.
• Additional signage will be placed near the entrances and exits of the Tram on the Manhattan side to help ensure an orderly travel process.

Transportation & Island Services:

NOTE: Please plan your travel accordingly. While delays in Tram travel are to be expected due to increased ridership, the Ferry is a viable option; the F-Train remains a quick and efficient option for travelling to and from the island.

Subway: F train service will run on normal weekend hours. Please plan your travel accordingly and visit mta.info/weekender or call 511 for more information. For electronic updates on F Train service, sign up for MTA Alerts at mymtaalerts.com.

Q102 Bus: The Q102 is also available to help riders traveling on and off Roosevelt Island. You can check the Q102 schedule here. 

RIOC Weekend Mini-Shuttle Buses to Manhattan: RIOC’s Transportation Department will once again run a Mini-Shuttle Bus from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan on weekends during the month of April. Shuttles will run hourly (traffic permitting) from 11AM to 7:30PM. The shuttle will depart at the top of every hour from the Roosevelt Island Tramway. The shuttle will then depart on the half hour from the Manhattan Tram station, from the corner of 60th Street and Second Avenue to the Tram. The last shuttle trips will depart from the Roosevelt Island Tram at 7 PM and Manhattan at 7:30 PM.

Tram: PSD officers will be present at each station. Passengers should plan accordingly as they may experience long lines. Before traveling, make sure to check the Tram cams on the RIOC website to see up to the second conditions at the Manhattan station: https://rioc.ny.gov/673/Roosevelt-Island-Tram-Station-Livestream

Ferry Service: Ferry service will run on normal weekend service hours. For schedule info, visit: Ferry.nyc

Vehicular Traffic: In the event of overcrowding, vehicular access to the island will be restricted to island residents and workers only. PSD and NYPD will be stationed at the entryway of the bridge (Vernon and 36th Ave.) to monitor and redirect, if needed.

Bicycles: Citations will be issued to any cyclist/motorized scooters who do not adhere to NYC bike laws.

Garbage Removal: There will be an increase in waste management this weekend to address any littering caused by overcrowding.

For more information, please call PSD at 212-832-4545.

A Long Time Roosevelt Island resident shares this message to RIOC Director of Communications and Community Affairs Bryant Daniels:

Is that Mini-Shuttle you refer to that same, awful, not completely barrier-free & accessible vehicle that looks like a truck? If it is, it is not usable for a variety of folks with physical challenges ... Why can’t RIOC use one of the Red Buses, especially now with 2 new buses (and the rest in pretty good condition). They are safe, barrier-free and accessible....

Mr Daniels replied:

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, it’s the shorter bus—taking a 40-footer off-island right now is a bad move. Maintaining Red Bus service on the island has to be the priority, and the amount of people who utilize this shuttle generally doesn’t exceed what the shorter bus can accommodate.

The shorter bus is also much easier to navigate for our drivers on Queens and Manhattan roads, and with the roadwork going on just off the island, that’s an important consideration, too.

I also think, generally speaking, we need to be thoughtful about not repeating history with the Red Buses. That’s a lot of extra wear and tear going off-island, just when we got our fleet back into shape.

Two of the buses are also about to have mid-life overhauls which will take them out of commission for a few weeks each.

RIOC adds:

Dear Roosevelt Island Community:

Following the release of our 2025 Island Travel Advisory, RIOC will be hosting a special online community meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming Cherry Blossom season on the island. This online meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 1st at 6pm via Teams.

The meeting will include a discussion about operational adjustments made to help accommodate for the added foot-traffic to the island during the busy spring season, and will offer residents an opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions to RIOC leadership.

To join the meeting, simply click the link here: Join the meeting now

Thanks and we hope to see you then!

-Team RIOC

During the March 11 2025 RIOC Public Safety Department (PSD) Community Engagement meeting, Chief Kevin Brown spoke about how PSD will handle the large crowds at the Tram with the warmer weather arriving.

According to Chief Brown:

... Warm weather is coming. With the warm weather there's long lines at the Tram. We will be out there. Public Safety will  ensure that people are safe on the Tram. We've limited to 50 persons on the platform so that everybody can be safe....

... if you need the elevator for any reason you are allowed to take the  elevator. You don't have to prove that you're a certain age. Whoever you are, if you need the elevator you will be allowed to take the elevator and if anybody stops you tell them that you spoke to Chief Brown...

When asked, Chief Brown added that people will have to wait on the long line before using the elevator although PSD Officers have discretion to use "common sense" to allow some people to skip the line and go directly to the elevator.

Here are Chief Brown's full remarks on the subject from the 24 minute mark until 33 minute 50 second mark.

RIOC Rejects FOIL Request To Make Public Legal Analysis Denying Roosevelt Island Residents And Workers Priority Boarding Preference On The Roosevelt Island Tram - RIOC Hiding Behind Attorney Client Privilege And Refuses To Waive Claim

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@rooseveltislandny)

Supporters of Roosevelt Island Tram boarding preference for residents and workers dispute RIOC's legal interpretation:

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.

Update On Roosevelt Island Tram Boarding Priority Preference - NY State Senator Liz Krueger Joins Mayor Adams, Assembly Member Seawright, Council Member Menin And Community Board 8 Supporting Some Form Of Priority Preference For Locals - But RIOC Still Says It's Illegal

Manhattan Community Board 8 approved a resolution in support of Roosevelt Island Tram boarding priority for NYC residents by a vote of 32 to 9 during last week's January 15 meeting. As previously reported;

... 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.

Ms Kreuger now joins Roosevelt Island elected officials including NYC Mayor Eric Adams, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and NYC City Council Member Julie Menin who have all expressed support of some type of Roosevelt Island residents and workers priority boarding preference on the Roosevelt Island Tram.

According to Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright:

... 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....

and Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Julie Menin adds:

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....

Supporters of Roosevelt Island Tram boarding preference for residents and workers dispute RIOC's legal interpretation:

Last November, I asked RIOC 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 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.

Meeting organizer Paul Krikler adds:

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.

Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station Platform Capacity Will Be Reduced From Normal 100 To 50 Riders For Safety Precautions When Line Reaches Down The Stairs Says RIOC PSD Chief During Community Engagement Meeting Last Tuesday - Chief Emphasizes The Tram Is Not A Ride

During the January 15, 2025 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD) Community Engagement meeting, a Roosevelt Island resident raised the issue of dangerous overcrowding on the Roosevelt Island Tram station platforms

as well as areas in front of, behind 

and leading to the turnstyles.

Many residents have complained about the unsafe conditions posed by mostly tourists aggressively pushing and shoving others to get inside the Tram in order to secure their desired view on the trip over the East River.

The resident asked PSD Chief Kevin Brown to station a PSD officer on the Roosevelt Island Tram station platforms to insure the safety of riders, many of whom, including older adults, disabled persons and children, are afraid to use the Tram now due to the overcrowding.

Chief Brown said that PSD Officers will be placed at the Roosevelt Island Tram station during the morning rush hours and the Manhattan Tram station during the evening rush hours.

Chief Brown added that when the Manhattan Station Tram Line extends down the stairs to the Plaza area, PSD officers will reduce the usual number of people waiting on the platform from 100 persons capacity to 50. 

According to PSD Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso:

...once those 50 get on to the tram, people have to wait minute or two more. Then we'll send the other 50 up the stairs through and then we'll load the tram up to its capacity and then it will go across. So it's not that we lessen the number on the ride it's just lessen the number on the platform to give people a little bit more space....

Chief Brown added:

... We haven't had a line at the Tram since January 3rd and we're going to continue to track it. Like I said, it's not an exact science. So what happens when a line forms? There is usually either an officer or attendant there so for that first 5 to 10 minutes it may be crowded because it takes about 10 minutes for me to get three Officers over to the Manhattan side...

Chief Brown clarified that only when there is a line down the Tram station stairs will the platform capacity be reduced from 100 to 50.

Chief Brown and Deputy Amoroso both emphasized that the Tram is not a Ride.

Watch video of the full discussion.

The Manhattan Community Board 8 voted last night to approve a resolution supporting Roosevelt Island Tram boarding priority for NYC residents. 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.

We shall see.

A Possible Solution To Reduce Roosevelt Island Tram Long Lines, Overcrowding And Dangerous Platform Conditions - Create Annual Fast Line Pass For Tram Boarding Priority Available For Everybody That Must Be Obtained On Roosevelt Island

As reported many times over the last several years, there is no issue which has decreased the quality of life and angered more Roosevelt Island residents than the long lines, overcrowding and unsafe platforms conditions caused by tourists using the Roosevelt Island Tram as a sightseeing amusement attraction to view the NYC East River waterfront and skyline.

Since early November 2024 almost 2500 people have signed the Trampled By Tourists, Priority Boarding for Residents and Workers on the Roosevelt Island Tram online and paper petition.

According to the Petition organizers:

However, according to an opinion drafted by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) legal department, a residents/workers Tram boarding preference would be illegal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@rooseveltislandny)

Others have disputed RIOC'S legal opinion. 

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.

NYC Mayor Eric Adam, former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and NYC Council Member Julie Menin have all expressed support for providing some sort of Roosevelt Island Tram boarding preference for residents and workers.

Last week, a joint Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island/Transportation Committee approved a resolution supporting Roosevelt Island Tram priority boarding for residents and workers. The full Community Board 8 is scheduled to vote on the resolution during its Wednesday January 15 meeting. You can attend the CB 8 meeting and give your views on this issue in person or via Zoom.

Perhaps this proposal will be considered.

Roosevelt Island Tram Boarding Priority, Platform Operations, New Red Bus In Service And RI Business Alliance Among Topics Discussed At Last Night Community Board 8 Committee Meeting - Watch The Very Interesting Video Of What Happened

The Community Board 8 (CB 8) Roosevelt Island (RI) and Transportation Committees held a very informative joint meeting via Zoom last evening hosted by RI Committee Chair Paul Krikler. Here's a brief summary.

The meeting began with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels reporting:

• One of the 2 new Red Buses will be in service later this week and the second bus in service not long afterwards,
• Due to the long lines at the Roosevelt Island Tram, Public Safety Officers will be stationed at the Roosevelt Island station during the morning rush hours and at the Manhattan Station during the evening rush hour.
• RIOC is going to work to reduce the number of people standing on the Tram Platform,
• Priority Seating Signage for older adults and disabled people will be placed on the windows above the seats in both Tram Cabin 
• RIOC is testing faster speeds for the Tram schedule. Approval by Department of Labor is necessary before any changes to the Tram speed can be made.

A report on upcoming events at the Roosevelt Island Library Branch Manager Brandon Korosh.

Skip Hartman of The Roosevelt Island Business Alliance (TRIBA) spoke about the mission of the group including:

• Working on an extension of the Master Lease between NY State and NY City
• Developing and funding a new visitors app
• Holding an awards dinner honoring community members and
• Raising and donating funds to local Roosevelt Island groups

And a robust discussion about a resolution to approve resident and workers boarding priority on the Roosevelt Island Tram. The resolution passed by a vote of 4 to 1 and will be voted on by the full Community Board 8 at the January 15 meeting.

Here's is video last night's

very interesting meeting.

Resolution Supporting Priority Roosevelt Island Tram Boarding For Residents/Workers And Roosevelt Island Business Alliance Update On Agenda For Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Virtual Meeting January 6 - Get Your Stickers Supporting Tram Priority Boarding

You're invited to attend the the Monday January 6 Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB 8) Roosevelt Island Committee meeting via Zoom starting at 6:30 PM.

Here's the full Agenda for tomorrow's CB 8 Roosevelt Island committee meeting.

According to CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Chair Paul Krikler:

Please join us for the next CB8RI meeting this coming Monday (1/6) at 630pm on Zoom. In addition to our usual updates (RIOC, Library and Community) we will be joined by Skip Hartman to tell us about The Roosevelt Island Business Alliance (TRBA).

We will also be discussing a resolution regarding priority boarding of the tram (see link to resolution). Resolutions are discussed at Committee first and then taken to the Full Board (Jan 15)

Come and voice your support.

Here is the proposed resolution.

2411 people have signed the Trampled By Tourists, Priority Boarding for Residents and Workers on the Roosevelt Island Tram petition.

Stickers have been created to show support for Roosevelt Island residents and workers Tram Boarding priority.

Supporters are encouraged to:

Stick them around the Tram Station to raise awareness and remind tourists to prioritize locals.

The Stickers are available at Island Discount store (563 Main Street) until tomorrow evening. 

Here's a July 2023 interview with three of the founding Directors of the The Roosevelt Island Business Alliance, Skip Hartman of the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, David Kramer of the Hudson Companies and Frank (Turtle) Raffaele of The Sanctuary. 

Current members of TRIBA are:

Contact Skip Hartman if you're interested in more info about TRIBA.

Click here to attend tomorrow's CB 8 Roosevelt Island committee meeting via zoom.

NY Post Reports Today "Selfie Obsessed Tourists Create Roosevelt Island Tram Jam: 'Horrible, Horrible!'" - Roosevelt Island Residents And Workers Asking For Priority Boarding Before Sightseeing Tourists

The NY Post reported today on the insanely long line of sightseeing tourists making life miserable for residents.

Selfie-obsessed tourists create Roosevelt Island tram jam: ‘Horrible, horrible!’ https://t.co/ySjs4QPQAL

— New York Post (@nypost) December 31, 2024

According to the NY Post:

Selfie-obsessed tourists have taken over the Roosevelt Island tram — creating a massive headache for locals who are being forced to wait in lines stacked with as many as 250 people.

The tram between Manhattan and the smaller iconic island has long been a tourist destination, but it took off in popularity this summer when it was blasted on various “top attractions in New York City” lists and across social media....

Click here to read the full NY Post article.

2370 people have signed the Trampled By Tourists, Priority Boarding for Residents and Workers on the Roosevelt Island Tram petition.

A group of Roosevelt Island residents spoke during the December 19 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting Public Session advocating for residents/workers boarding preference on the Roosevelt Island Tram

Elected representatives including Mayor Adams, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and City Council Member Julie Menin have expressed support for some type of preference for residents and workers on the Roosevelt Island Tram.

Here's more info on the issue.

Another Day Of Insane Roosevelt Island Tram Line Full Of Sightseeing Tourists Making Life Miserable For Roosevelt Island Residents And Workers

Roosevelt Island Tram line of sightseeing tourists stretched from the platform, down the stairs, to 59th Street Second Avenue Tram Plaza and heading towards third avenue this afternoon. 

Another day Roosevelt Island residents and workers are furious that they can't use the Tram for necessary transportation services because it is being used as a cheap sightseeing amusement attraction by tourists.

A resident commented on Roosevelt Islander Instagram post:

This situation has become completely unmanageable. At this point, a clear solution would be to designate the Southside Tram and Southside staircase exclusively for tourists, while reserving the Northside Tram and Northside (exit) staircase for residents and staff.

Additionally, installing a bike rack down the middle of the platform and turnstile area would help organize the space more effectively. Clear, official signage labeled “TOURISTS” and “RESIDENTS/STAFF” is essential to streamline the flow of people and reduce congestion.

It’s time to implement practical solutions to address this ongoing issue.

Some type of separate priority line for residents and workers who use the Tram for transportation purposes rather than as a sightseeing attraction has to be implemented soon.

UPDATE 12/30 - Another day of insanely long line of tourists at the Roosevelt Island Manhattan Tram Station.

I interviewed several groups of tourists getting off the Tram at the Manhattan station. All understood the frustration of residents and workers. These tourists said they would be willing to wait longer on a separate line so residents and workers could have priority to board the Tram Cabin.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt (@rooseveltislander)

Another Day Of Long Lines Full Of Sightseeing Tourists On Roosevelt Island Tram Making Life Miserable For Residents And Workers

A Tipster shares photo taken this afternoon of the crazy Roosevelt Island Tram line stretching from the platform, down the stairs, across Second Avenue Tram Plaza

and reports 

I feel terrible for RI residents. It must be frustrating. I get upset when I’m rushing home, and I miss my train, and the next one is coming in a few minutes. I can’t even imagine waiting to get home in that line!

Long lines of sightseeing tourists have made life miserable for Roosevelt Island residents and workers getting to and from Roosevelt Island. 

Here's what the Roosevelt Island Tram lines full of sightseeing tourists 

were like the past three days.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt (@rooseveltislander)

2321 people have signed the Trampled By Tourists, Priority Boarding for Residents and Workers on the Roosevelt Island Tram petition.

A group of Roosevelt Island residents spoke during the December 19 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting Public Session advocating for residents/workers boarding preference on the Roosevelt Island Tram

Elected representatives including Mayor Adams, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and City Council Member Julie Menin have expressed support for some type of preference for residents and workers on the Roosevelt Island Tram.

Here's more info on the issue.

UPDATE 12/27 - Roosevelt Island Tram lines today.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roosevelt (@rooseveltislander)

According to a Tipster when the Tram doors opened: 

... there was a small stampede, and a woman screamed. I’ve never seen it this bad in my life. When the doors of the Tram opened, it was like a buffalo stampede

Another resident reports:

I was passing by the Tram line on the way to the train because the line was too long, and someone in line literally said thay should sell FastTrack tickets online for the Tram like they do at Disney.