Roosevelt Island Transportation This Weekend - F Train To And From Manhattan, Only 1 Tram Cabin Working, No Tram Service On Sunday & Winter NYC Ferry Astoria Route Schedule

Good news. There is Roosevelt Island F Train subway service to and from Manhattan this weekend.

Bad news, as previously reported, due to a major Roosevelt Island Tram Overhaul project, only a single Cabin will be operating each day for at least 12 weeks starting last February 14.

Also, no Roosevelt Island Tram service at all on Sunday March 10.

More on the Roosevelt Island Tram Overhaul project at this prior post.

Here's the Winter Schedule for Roosevelt Island ferry Astoria route service.

RIOC Announces This Evening No Roosevelt Island Tram Service On Sunday February 24

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) sent out the following advisory at 7:09 PM tonight:

Please be advised that the Tram will be closed on Sunday, February 24th to facilitate required maintenance work. Service will resume with one cabin in operation on Monday, February 25th at 6 AM.

What are my travel alternatives?

Red Bus Shuttle service will be available to and from the Manhattan Tram Station on Sunday, February 24th from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, beginning from the R.I. Tram Station.

Red Bus Shuttle pick-up locations:
Manhattan: Southwest corner of 58th St. and 2nd Ave.
Roosevelt Island: Tram Station Plaza

MTA subway F line (mta.info) and the NYC Ferry service (ferry.nyc) are available to and from Manhattan.

Q102 MTA Bus service is also an option to connect to Midtown Manhattan-bound trains at Queensboro Plaza.

Why is this work happening?

The Roosevelt Island Tram is undergoing two major maintenance projects, consisting of rope relocations and gearbox overhauls. This required work is to ensure the safest transportation system possible and to extend its service life into the future.
How do I get updates?

To receive transportation updates, visit rioc.ny.gov and sign up for Island community advisories.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Published post earlier today on the Roosevelt Island Tram Overhaul project.

Roosevelt Island Tram Shut Down Tonight After 10 PM For Scheduled Repairs, Will Resume Normal Operations Tomorrow 6 AM Says RIOC - Take A Super Fast Virtual Tram Ride With Fantastic View

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)

Please be advised that the Tram will be undergoing scheduled repairs on Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

In order to lessen the impact on travel plans, work will begin at 10 PM and take place overnight. The Tram will resume operations at 6 AM on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.

This work is weather sensitive; an advisory will be sent out if this maintenance is rescheduled.

For more information, contact the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation at (212) 832-4540 or email information@rioc.ny.gov.

Here's a great nighttime view from the Tram


and a super fast Tram ride over the East River.

WOW: Vine of the Roosevelt Island Tram. Must return to NYC! https://t.co/Hje0BZGIKH

— Michael MacLeod (@MichaelMacLeod1) March 1, 2014

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.

New York Times Reporter Takes Test Ride On New Roosevelt Island Tram

Image From John Fischetti

Following up on yesterday's Roosevelt Island Tram lettering post, it is clear that one need not be a Roosevelt Island resident to be interested in the progress of the new Tram. An Upper East Side reader sent in the above Tram picture taken from his Manhattan apartment and a New York Times reporter took a sneak preview ride on the new Tram with a POMA representative (contractors for the new Tram)



The NY Times City Room Blog has more on the new Tram.

Southtown Residents Updated On Roosevelt Island Tram Status And New Traffic Pattern/Parking Spots For West Channel Road

Image of RIOC's VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez Giving Tram Update To Southtown Residents

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez gave Southtown Residents an update on the Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Project last night informing them the Tram is scheduled to resume operations in late November. Mr. Martinez reported that the construction phase of the project is nearly complete and that as soon as the NY State Department of Labor (DOL) signs off on the safety of the new tram, service will resume. Inspectors from the DOL will be on Roosevelt Island next week to begin their certification process.

There were several testy questions and statements from a couple of residents frustrated with the repeated delays in getting the Tram back in service. One resident unfavorably compared the time it has taken to build the new Tram with the year it took to construct the Empire State Building. Another resident asked what would be done with the liquidated damages assessed against Poma, the Tram's Contractor, for delays accruing after the original planned September Tram opening and if liquidated damages can be assessed against RIOC itself for the delays.

Mr. Martinez responded he was equally frustrated by the delays but that the Tram Modernization is a tremendously complex construction project made even more so by difficulties involved in New York City wide crane permitting problems. Mr. Martinez also acknowledged that perhaps the original 6 month schedule to complete the project was a little too ambitious. The great majority of Riverwalk residents at the meeting agreed with Mr. Martinez assessment and thanked him for the work being done.

As to the liquidated damages against POMA, Mr. Martinez said that it would be the subject of future negotiation after the Tram is back in service.

Another resident asked about having some sort of compartment or space on the Tram for large dogs that cannot fit in a carry on case which is required for all dogs on the Tram. Mr. Martinez stating that he would look into it but advised that other Roosevelt Island Tram riders might not be very happy with large, non-guide dogs, out of a carry on case riding the Tram.

Finally, Mr. Martinez presented the new Southtown Traffic Plan with the West Channel Road facing Manhattan turned into a one-way north bound street and the addition of 30 additional parking spots on the subway station side of the West Channel. More on the Southtown Parking situation here.

All in all, an excellent job by Mr. Martinez informing Southtown residents on the Tram and parking situation.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association Southtown Common Council Delegate Dave Evans was also at the meeting and reports:

I was happy to be in attendance on Tuesday, November 9 when Fernando Martinez of RIOC provided Riverwalk-area residents an informative update on our beloved TRAM.  His presentation was essentially the same as provided during an open session of a September 2010 (I believe) RIOC Board Meeting that I attended at which Leslie Torres, then the pending new RIOC President, was in attendance.

The Riverwalk session was both bitter and sweet.  The former characterization is due to the angst some in attendance felt and vented due to 'perceived past unacceptable and unrealistically optimistic' RIOC promises and its performance and handling of the TRAM renovation program.  For the most part, Fernando patiently and gracefully handled the questions birthed from those perceptions, apologizing where appropriate while explaining the scope of the project and the fact of liquidated damage (that is, rebated money to RIOC) forthcoming from the contractor for missing the deadline.  Some asked, "how will RIOC use that money?"  Interesting question and we will await the answer. 

Of course, and appropriately so, Fernando received kudos from some attendees for RIOC's management of this major program and in a relatively short time.  Moreso, for the good news in the presentation was that the modern, two-cabin, aesthetically improved TRAM - - that can run concurrently in the same direction with a three-minute crossing of our wonderful river while providing fantastic views and with robust support of the morning and afternoon rush hour - - will be operational the end of November.  Some work will continue beyond year-end but the TRAM will be operational.  Yes, YES!

Hey, as a further treat, it might also accommodate and offer the rite of passage to any patron who has a large dog.  Is November end realistic?  Fernando firmly says "yes" because the Department of Labor is already scheduled and is gonna certify the system.  Let's hope so or otherwise in attendance Ms Wilder, whom Fernando advised would be available for future questions, will certainly be busier at her desk as RIOC Community Relations Specialist.  OK, no more bitter in future sessions here in Riverwalk land because the TRAM is near and parking, yes, expanded vehicle parking is on the horizon.  Well done, if done, RIOC!

Crossing The East River On The Roosevelt Island Tram In Song - A Tram Tribute Video & The Latest News On When It Will Return To Service, Hopefully Before Thanksgiving

 Image From Tatiana Muzica

First the 59th Street Bridge was immortalized in  song with Simon & Garfunkle's Feelin Groovy and now it time to do the same for it's neighbor to the north - the Roosevelt Island Tram. To mark the occasion of the new Roosevelt Island Tram, filmaker Ovidiu Opresco and musician Jonathan Kalb collaborated on this tribute to the joys of Crossing The East River On The Roosevelt Island Tram. Sort of like Roosevelt Island's version of a Jimmy Buffet song about Key West.

You Tube Video Of Crossing The East River On The Roosevelt Island Tram

Here's the latest on the Roosevelt Island Tram from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. President Leslie Torres:

Rumors to the contrary notwithstanding - the Aerial Tramway Modernization project has not likewise been haunted. As most of us have seen - the beautiful new cabins are now both running on their respective north and south track ropes and all systems seem ready to go. We are hoping to have the New York State Department of Labor complete its testing and review of the entire system before Thanksgiving. Preliminary inspection results thus far have been very positive. While RIOC is confident that we are providing a safe, efficient and comfortable new aerial tramway system - I don't think any one of us wants to short circuit safety precautions. RIOC is planning an opening event as soon as we get the okay from DOL. We continue to appreciate the public's patience and we anticipate our beloved Tram returning to service as soon as possible.

Another photo of the Roosevelt Island Tram undergoing tests from Ms. Muzica.

 Image From Tania Muzica

Roosevelt Island Tram Return To Sevice Delayed Again, New Estimate Is The End of November 2010 - Maybe The Beatles Can Help?

Image From Fark

Roosevelt Island residents have been teased and tantalized over the last several days with both Tram cabins undergoing safety and operational testing as they make their way over the East River to the Manhattan Station and back.

Image of Roosevelt Island Tram Cabins In Manhattan Station From Dave Evans

BUT, when will operational service on the Tram be restored for passengers?

Readers of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Leslie Torres October 20 report to the community had this to say about the Tram's return of service:

Ms. Torres' comments on the tram seem vague and noncommittal regarding the start date of tram operation; I wouldn't be surprised if "soon" turns into late November or December.

and:

I expect the tram to be back in Jan or Feb next year. Anything sooner would really surprise me.

The last estimate received during the September RIOC Operations Committee Meeting was early November. Unfortunately, the date for the return of Roosevelt Island Tram service has been postponed again - this time to late November. According to RIOC VP of Operations Fernando Martinez:

The South cabin was hoisted on Friday, and we performed an emergency evacuation drill on the North cabin.  OEM, NYPD, FDNY and DOL participated in the exercise.  Commissioning on the South cabin has begun.  By all indications and feedback, everything is going well.  We do not have a firm date for returning the Tram back into service because it is contingent on the final certification by DOL, our best estimate is the 3rd or 4th week of November.

The DOL is the Department of Labor.

POMA, the contractor for the Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Project issued the following press release today: 

 VOREPPE, France, October 25, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- After nine months' work the French firm POMA is putting the final touches to the installation of a new aerial tramway in New York City, linking Roosevelt Island to Manhattan. The keywords for this unique, resolutely urban amenity are innovation, availability, flexibility and above all safety.

A revolutionary world's first for POMA
With the completion of this ultra-modern aerial tramway POMA brings to New Yorkers the most advanced technology in cable-drawn urban transport. To meet the extremely high standards for passenger transit in a city, each car's cradle runs on an extra-wide track. This novel arrangement ensures the cabins remain exceptionally stable, regardless of the weather conditions. To meet safety requirements and deliver the best possible service, the two cars operate independently. The 960-metre aerial tramway connects Roosevelt Island to Manhattan in three minutes. Each car has room for 110 passengers and the system can sustain a flow of 1,500 riders an hour.
A challenging urban project
This job has been exceptionally challenging for POMA, involving several major constraints, in particular a limited schedule and strict regulations. Furthermore the firm had to allow for existing infrastructure. Nor was there any question of work on the project disturbing the flow of traffic on the roads below, used every day by thousands of city dwellers. POMA has demonstrated here the full range of its project management and coordination skills.
Soon open to the general public
The first cable was fitted on October 5 2010, with the first running tests starting the next day. By October 8 a car was already travelling at 8 metres per second, its final design speed!
In the course of the next few days will be processed a series of tests leading up to final certification of the facility by the Department of Labour. The permit authorizing the tramway to open to the general public is expected to be issued at the beginning of November. The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), the owner of aerial tramway, should be able to organize an official opening in the coming weeks....

Below is an interesting documentary about the development of the Portland Aerial Tram. The video does not start until the 30 second mark.


Of the Air, Of the Earth: The Story of the Portland Aerial Tram from NW Documentary on Vimeo.

UPDATE 9:20 PM - A Reader sends in these images of both Tram Cabins being tested.

 Images by D.J. Forza

Why Is That Giant Squirrel Eyeing The Roosevelt Island Tram? 2nd Tram Cabin In Station Undergoing Testing

Image From FARK

Did anyone else see that giant squirrel towering over Upper East Side Manhattan buildings staring hungrily at the new Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin as it was making test runs over the East River this morning?

Or did you see the singing Knights of the Round Table taking a spin on the Roosevelt Island Tram?

Image From FARK

Perhaps Spider Man looking for the Green Goblin?

Image From FARK

You may have missed these wondrous sights but you can see these and other cool Roosevelt Island Tram pictures at Fark which is holding a Roosevelt Island Tram Photoshop contest. Go vote for your favorite.

Back to our world now with some more good news that the second Tram Cabin made it's way this morning to join

You Tube Video of Tram Cabin 2 Being Moved To Station from Vini Fortuna

it's twin at the Tram Station

 

and is now up on the track cable and taking test runs while undergoing emergency preparedness drills.

 

The new Tram Station doors for the North Cabin berth have also been installed.

An early November resumption of Roosevelt Island Tram service is still expected. RIOC President Leslie Torres latest Tram report stated:

Aerial Tramway Modernization – Engineering work is virtually completed. We’ve all seen the north cabin zipping back and forth as it undergoes extensive testing. The State Department of Labor and City Uniformed Services will be here soon to inspect the north side. Work hanging the cabin on the south side is about to commence. Once all the testing is completed and DOL signs off, we will have a fully operating system. Thank you for your patience as RIOC undertakes the steps necessary to assure a safe and efficient aerial tramway service.

UPDATE 3:45 PM - Both cabins in Tram Station.

Image From Jonathan Kalkin

UPDATE 4 PM - New Tram Cabins meet at last this morning.

 Image From Duc Le

Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy took these pictures of Roosevelt Island Emergency Rescue Drills earlier today.

 Image From Judy Berdy

 Image From Judy Berdy

More Roosevelt Island Emergency Rescue Drill pictures from Ms. Berdy here.

Roosevelt Island Tram Operational Tests Up And Running Across East River To Manhattan - Pictures From Every Conceivable Angle

Roosevelt Island Tram Above East River Image From Duc Le

While walking by the Roosevelt Island Tram Station today, I looked into the Station but did not see the Tram Cabin. Then I looked up but still did not see the Cabin on the ropes. I started to be concerned there might be some problem. Fortunately, I learned that the Tram was on the Manhattan side of the East River as it was undergoing operational tests. Great News on that!

Since the Tram has started running operational tests yesterday, readers have been sending in some great photos covering almost every conceivable angle.

Here's the Roosevelt Island Tram viewed from below,

Image From Judy Berdy

Image From Judy Berdy

Image From Judy Berdy

from above,

 

 Image From Duc Le

 Image From Duc Le

looking towards Manhattan from Roosevelt Island,

Image From Duc Le

and from the Queensboro Bridge.

Image From Jonathan Weinberg

Image From Jonathan Weinberg

Image From Jonathan Weinberg

Image From Jonathan Weinberg

Jonathan Weinberg writes:

I just happened to be biking over the bridge when I saw it going by and I stopped to snap some photos. I don't think they've put any guinea pigs on it yet. :)

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued the following press release:

The first of the two cabins on the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway was attached on the north track ropes on Tuesday, October 5th and system testing on that side can now begin. The Tram, undergoing modernization since March 2010, is projected as being in full operation in November 2010. The second cabin is expected to be attached in about two (2) weeks. According to RIOC President Leslie Torres, “Various milestones must be achieved before the Tram is commissioned for full operation by the New York State Department of Labor. The launch of the first cabin is a major milestone in this process.”

The Tram modernization contractor is POMA, SA of France, one of two companies world wide equipped to perform the “state of the art”overhaul. The cabin was attached to a double hanger arm on Tuesday. The double armed hanger is one of the important innovations of the new Tram system, providing for a more stable ride. The cabins of the previous system were suspended from a single armed hanger. The cabins can be operated independently on the north and south track ropes, another significant improvement over the old system. Each cabin has the capacity to carry 109 passengers and a cabin attendant. Cabin dimensions are 22 ft. 11.6 in. X 12 ft. 9.6 in. and each weighs 22,125 lbs empty and up to 41,525 lbs when fully loaded.

Originally opened in 1976, the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway System was in its 34th year of operation when it was closed in March for renovation. Its useful life expectancy had been predicted as17 years when originally installed. Having served ably for twice the expected time, it was well overdue for modernization. The Tram carries more than 2 million passengers a year and has been integrated into the MTA’s Metrocard system, so that Tram riders can transfer from and to City buses and subways.

The entire modernization project is expected to cost up to $25 million, $15 million of which was funded by the State of New York and $10 million with Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) funds. RIOC is the New York State Public Benefit Corporation which operates and develops Roosevelt Island, a community of about 12 thousand residents, developed pursuant to a 1968 General Development Plan between New York City and State, as part of the “new communities” initiative originating with federal Great Society programs. Three more high rise buildings and 2 new parks are expected to open in the next several years, completing the development plan. “The Tram modernization project anticipates increased capacity needs as the Island continues to grow,” according to Leslie Torres.

The first (North) Tram Cabin is expected to resume service in early November with the second (South) one a week to ten days later. Then, work will begin on Tram Station Improvements.

Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Docked In Station, Attached To Carriage Track And Taking Test Rides Over East River - Service Resumes Early November

Image of North Cabin Docked In Roosevelt Island Tram Station

Dont' be surprised if you see a sight today, and the during the next few weeks, all Roosevelt Island residents have been waiting for - the Roosevelt Island Tram soaring over the East River

Image of North Cabin Docked In Roosevelt Island Tram Station

One of the Roosevelt Island Tram cabins is now docked in the Roosevelt Island station attached to it's carriage track and will be taking test rides over the East River today and thereafter until the resumption of regular service scheduled for early November.

 Image of North Cabin Docked In Roosevelt Island Tram Station

Yay!!!!!!

Earlier this morning Lucindacv followed the progress of the Tram Cabin to the station with a series of Tweets about this auspicious day for Roosevelt Island. First:

roosevelt island big day -- flat bed truck, fotogs, crane, many hand signals - looks like tram may be moving

Then:  

Roosevelt Island - we have liftoff and precision landing on flatbed - still underway

Finally:

gotta leave. probably have to live on Roosevelt Island to understand why this is worth watching.

Hope to have pictures and video of Tram in operation later.

It will be great to have the Tram back in service providing a needed option for getting off Roosevelt Island. Earlier this afternoon, I, along with many other Roosevelt Island residents was stuck waiting at our F Train subway platform for more than 35 minutes before the arrival of a Manhattan Bound F Train. Of course, there was no word or announcement from the MTA concerning this delay which I later found out from the Train conductor was caused by police activity in Queens.

UPDATE 10/6 - The Roosevelt Island Tram has taken off from the station and is flying.

Above Image From Jonathan Kalkin

Here's an image of the Roosevelt Island Tram over the East River from flaviofachel via Twitpic

UPDATE 10/6 - More pictures from today's Tram excursion.

Image From Duc Le

Image From DJ