Roosevelt Island Tram Revenue Decline, Fare Evasion Part Of Problem Says RIOC - Public Safety Officers And Video Cameras Will Be Used To Catch Fare Beaters

According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson:

After observing a decline in Tram revenue during the months of platform repair last year which limited service to one cabin; and then noticing no discernable increase upon the resumption of two Tram cabins in 2018, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) officials wondered, “how come?”

Part of the explanation: fare evasion.

After meetings with RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus and Deputy Chief Kevin Brown, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal announced Wednesday that all Tram would first be warned by PSD officers, and new posted signs, that fare beating is a Class A misdemeanor (under New York Penal Code 165.15 sub 03). Those who fail to comply, and attempt to ride without paying the $2.75 fare, will be issued a summons, she said.

Reduced rates of $1.30 are available for seniors, students and the disabled and can be obtained through the NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority website.

Rosenthal said PSD officers would be stationed at the location 12 hours-a-day beginning at 7 a.m. and 24-hour video surveillance would be re-activated and monitored for scofflaws.

“The Tram costs a lot of money to maintain and it is unacceptable for people to openly do this,” she said.

Reduced rates of $1.30 are available for seniors, students and the disabled and can be obtained through the NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority website.

Constructed during a two year period for $6.8 million, the Tram first opened May 17, 1976; and was modernized in 2010 at the cost of $25 million. Service warranties on that new equipment have now expired and RIOC is paying for Tram maintenance, from sub-contractor Leitner-Pomo of America, at full cost. 

I asked Mr. Robertson:

Can I get the numbers that show reduction of tram income.

Also I saw a kid about 6-7 years old with parent who slipped under turnstyle.

Do children Under a certain age get in free?

Mr. Robertson replied:

Children under 44 inches tall don’t have to pay; everyone else taller does.

We don’t have a definitive amount for the lost income due only to fare evaders as we can’t accurately estimate how many 2017 Tram riders who left during platform construction, to use the train, bus or ferry, never came back in 2018.

However we have been physically observing fare-beaters at RI Tram Station for a period of time now to accurately say this is a serious problem.

Report From Acting RIOC President Don Lewis - Roosevelt Island Tram Ridership Statistics At Record High Numbers, Outdoor Movie Selections & More

 Image Of Acting RIOC President Don Lewis From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

I encourage you to review the January edition of RIOC’s newsletter Island News, available at rioc.ny.gov/pdf/IslandNewsJan13.pdf. The newsletter includes a profile of RIOC’s Transportation General Manager Cy Opperman, a look at the eventful first few months of Four Freedoms Park, as well as updates on RIOC’s latest construction and maintenance projects.

Tram Thrives with Record Ridership Numbers in 2012

Last year marked the second full year since our Tramway Modernization project was completed. For the second consecutive year, a record number of people rode the state-of-the-art Tram.  The total ridership for 2012 was 2,358,818, nearly a quarter of a million more riders than in 2011 and an average of more than 6,400 riders per day.

The Tram is not only an iconic symbol on the New York City skyline, it is an inspiration for leaders from around the world looking to bring similar innovative technology to their communities. Just this past week we proudly hosted a visitor from the Haitian Embassy who was interested in exploring the Tram.

As you likely know, earlier this week a Tram worker from Leitner-Poma of America injured his leg while performing routine inspection and maintenance. We are happy to report that we understand the injuries sustained were relatively minor.  We would like to thank all of those involved for handling the situation in commendable fashion.  We note that the inspection work was part of the diligent efforts of Leitner-POMA and RIOC to ensure that the Tram is always running safely and smoothly. Regular inspections and maintenance work are conducted on every inch of the system, including the wires, cars and the connections at the towers.

Planning Commission Hearing on Cornell Campus

The New York City Planning Commission and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development held a public hearing this past Wednesday addressing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the future Cornell NYC Tech campus. RIOC representatives attended the meeting to remain cognizant of the community’s perspectives on the various aspects of the project.  Unfortunately, we cannot report on the hearing here due to the deadline for this column.

Submit Your Suggestions for Summer Outdoor Movie Series

RIOC’s Summer Outdoor Movie Series is one of the most anticipated traditions on Roosevelt Island. This summer will mark the Series’ fifth year and we’re giving Roosevelt Island residents the opportunity to submit suggestions for movies. I encourage you to send an email to SMS2013.Main591.RIOC@rioc.ny.gov with your favorite movie from each of the following genre categories: action/adventure, comedy, family/kids, fantasy, science-fiction, and drama. Alternatively, you can post your selections to the RIOC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RIOCNY. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 1. Thank you to everyone who has already shared your favorite flicks!

Report From Acting RIOC President Don Lewis - Introduces Himself, Roosevelt Island Tram Ridership Soaring, Fall For Arts, And Run For Congo Women

 Image Of Acting RIOC President Don Lewis From RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Acting President Don Lewis sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

As the new Acting CEO and President of RIOC, I want to take this opportunity to reintroduce myself to the Roosevelt Island community. For the past year, I have served as RIOC's Vice President and General Counsel working on matters involving real estate transactions, preservation of affordable housing, labor and employment, Board resolutions, litigation, and have conferred with high level government officials concerning various issues related to the Island.

There is a wealth of excitement on the horizon for the Island, including the new retail shops coming to Main Street, the opening of Four Freedoms Park, and the construction of the Cornell/Technion campus. I look forward to continuing to work cohesively with the RIOC Board, RIOC staff and Island residents to develop and implement innovative strategies that will enhance our wonderful community.

Tram Ridership Continues to Soar

As we enter October, which is historically the busiest month for the Aerial Tramway, it is an opportune time to review current ridership numbers for 2012. Continuing a yearlong trend, the number of riders has soared this summer as compared to the previous summer; a total of 629,854 people rode the tram from June through August, which is a 12 percent increase from the same period a year ago. In addition, year-to-date ridership has increased to over 1.6 million riders from January through August, representing an average of 6,600 riders per day and a 20 percent increase from the same period in 2011.

We recently renovated the passenger waiting areas in both tram stations, and are committed to ensuring that the tram continues to offer an optimal urban transportation experience.

Fall for Arts Festival

RIOC’s annual Fall for Arts Festival has become an Island tradition that residents, as well as visitors, look forward to every year. This year the Festival will take place at Southpoint Park on Saturday, October 6, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine. The Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association will offer free hands-on arts and crafts workshops for all ages, and we are thrilled that many local artists will be on hand to exhibit their work. Delicious food and drink will be available for purchase and there will be complimentary giveaways, entertainment and more. We look forward to seeing you at the Festival.

Run for Congo Women 5K

The Fifth Annual Run for Congo Women 5K scheduled for Saturday, October 6, will be a terrific opportunity to exercise and enjoy the Roosevelt Island scenery, while supporting a great cause. The course will track the perimeter of the Island and finish at Blackwell Park where food, drinks, gift bags, and music will await the participants. To date, entrants have raised over $33,000 in connection with Women for Women International’s efforts to help Congolese survivors of war and civil strife.

The run is scheduled to begin at the Firefighters’ Field at 9:00 am. If you want to join the hundreds of participants, please visit www.runforcongowomen.org or register on Saturday beginning at 8:30 am.

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

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

You Tube Video of Time Lapse Roosevelt Island Tram Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Congratulates Super Bowl Winning NY Giants, Roosevelt Island Verdant Tidal Enery Project, 2.1 Million Tram Riders, NYPD and FDNY Tram Rescue Training, Red Bus GPS Tracking Fix, Grandparents Safety Day and Black History Month

 Image of Roosevelt Island Red Bus GPS Tracking Screenshot from Itunes

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Lesie Torres sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

Congratulations to the Super Bowl champion New York Giants! I’m sure all of you Giants fans enjoyed the game and the celebration in the days that followed. Hopefully the team’s display of hard work and unity can give us all a little bit of inspiration.

Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy Project Moves Forward

While the south end of Roosevelt Island prepares to become the host site of the new Cornell/Technion Applied Sciences Campus, the waters off the north end of the Island will soon be home to another kind of groundbreaking innovation. Last month the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted Verdant Power the first-ever 10-year license to create a tidal wave energy plant right here in the East River. Verdant launched a pilot version of the project in 2002, culminating with the delivery of electricity to Gristedes and Motorgate. The expanded field of underwater windmills, to be located in the waters north of the Roosevelt Island Bridge, is projected to supply electricity to more than 9,500 homes on the Island by 2015. Dubbed the Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy (RITE) project, it is another example of the Island a leader in innovation and green technology, not only for the city, but for the world as well.

More Than 2.1 Million Ride Tram in 2011

RIOC is excited to announce that a record 2,109,878 people rode our Tram in 2011, the first full year since the Tramway modernization project was completed. That’s over 5,700 riders per day! The new Tram system, which opened in November 2010, offers a quicker, smoother, safer ride, while simultaneously using less electricity – not to mention those breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Also, you’ve probably noticed that it doesn’t shut down during inclement weather as frequently as the old Tram did. The new Tram has truly been an innovation in mass transit for residents and visitors alike, and will serve the Island well in the exciting – and busy – years ahead.

NYPD and FDNY Use Tram for Periodic Training

If you were near the Tram between 10 am and 2 pm this past Wednesday, you may have noticed NYPD officers conducting exercises on one of the cars. They were part of routine training sessions that NYPD and FDNY periodically conduct on the Tram to test their equipment. These sessions take place only during off-peak hours and use only one car, so that regular ridership on the other car is unaffected. RIOC always distributes an advisory via email before each training sessions to let residents know when they will occur. To subscribe and receive our advisories, you can send an email to subscribe@rioc.com.

Apps Track Red Buses

Last week RIOC received word that the iOS RBT Red Bus Tracking App wasn’t functioning properly. This is a good opportunity to explain how riders can use their mobile devices to track buses’ progress, for those who aren’t aware. A service called NextBus tracks RIOC’s Red Buses, which are equipped with a GPS system. Riders can see the location of each bus on www.nextbus.com, and by accessing the aforementioned RBT App or the R.I. Bus Tracker App for Android devices. You can plan your trip by checking the next arrival times at the stop closest to you. When the RBT App stopped working last week, RIOC discovered that NextBus was still showing the location of all the buses, and thus the problem was with the app, not the GPS. At the risk of getting too technical, it turns out that the app required an update in order to continue communicating with NextBus’ GPS. As of the evening of February 2, the RBT App was back up and running. We hope you will take advantage of this technology to make your travel as smooth as possible.

Grandparents Safety Day

I encourage seniors and their grandchildren to come out to our annual Grandparents Safety Day on Thursday, February 23 at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center (546 Main Street), starting at 11 am. Co-sponsored by RIOC’s Public Safety Department and Safe Kids NYC, the event will feature safety tips, goodie bags and light refreshments. It’s part of the Public Safety Department’s on-going efforts to keep citizens young and old safe.

Black History Month Celebration

Please join us on Saturday February 25 at the Senior Center as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history with music, poetry and dance. Festivities begin at 2 pm and light refreshments will be served. RIOC is proud to partner with the Roosevelt Island Senior Association to bring you this fun event.