Home > Project Overview > Tram FAQs

Tram FAQs

Q. When is the Tram Modernization Project scheduled to begin?
A. Service will be suspended as of 2 AM Monday, March 1, 2010. It is expected to return to full service Fall, 2010.

Q. How will the shutdown affect my commute?
A. All other mass transportation options will continue to be available: Roosevelt Island is serviced by the F subway train and the Q102 bus. Go to the MTA website for schedule updates. In addition, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation will be running shuttle buses with a fare of $1. Weekdays: A RIOC bus will run every 1/2 hour between Roosevelt Island and the Queens Plaza subway station which is served by the E,G,R,and V trains and is handicap accessible. From 10 AM until 2 PM and again from 7 PM until 11:30 PM, a RIOC bus will run express between Roosevelt Island and 2nd Avenue and 58th Street. Weekends: A RIOC bus will run express between Roosevelt Island and 2nd Avenue and 58th Street from 10 AM to 11:30 PM. A special shuttle bus will be picking up school children weekdays at 4 PM at its Manhattan bus stop.  Check the RIOC website for a detailed schedule.

Q. How long will the Tram be out of operation?
A. Service on the Tram is expected to resume in 6 months. The modernization upgrade work is scheduled from March 1, 2010 through Fall, 2010.

Q. What type of renovations will be performed?
A. When modernization work is completed, virtually everything constituting the aerial tramway system will have been replaced except the three towers that support the cables on which it runs. The tower bases have been deemed sound by engineers requiring only minor reinforcement measures. The tower tops will be replaced to accommodate a wider cable gauge "dual haul" system. "Dual Haul" is a more advanced cable operating system available as a result of advances made in "ropeway" (the term for cable-propelled transit systems) technology in the 34 years since installation of the Roosevelt Island system.

Q. What are the benefits of the Tram renovation?
A. The current Tramway system is almost 34 years old. Installed in 1976, it was built to operate for up to 17 years. While it has served New Yorkers well for its extended life, there have been many innovations in aerial tramway systems and operations over the past 3 decades which would benefit the Roosevelt Island system and extend its life for another 30 years. These include:

• Increased reliability.

• Service life extended 30 years.

• Each tramway cabin can be operated independently in event of: malfunction, preventive maintenance, rush hours and other peak and off-peak scheduling requirements.

• Integrated rescue system will ensure that in the event of a malfunction of any component or power failure, the cabins will be brought back to the nearest station using redundant power and motive systems, avoiding high level emergency rescue operations.

• Reduced downtime for maintenance and repairs. One lane can be shut down for repairs while the other lane can provide uninterrupted service.

• Reduced maintenance and operating costs.

• Improved quality of travel, providing a smoother ride under high winds due to new wide track rope gauge.

• State-of-the-art technology brings higher levels of energy efficiency.

Q. This seems to be a very large project. What impact will the Tram construction have on Roosevelt Island, Manhattan and surrounding areas?
A. Because one Tram station and two of the three towers are located in Manhattan, traffic on Second, First and York Avenues will be sporadically affected as will traffic on 59th and 60th Streets, and the Manhattan bound upper roadway of the Queensboro Bridge. All construction work, including use of cranes will be pursuant to NYC Buildings Department permits and regulations. All lane closures and traffic interruptions will be pursuant to NYC Department of Transportation permits and regulations. All NYC agencies with health and safety review responsibilities will retain jurisdiction over this NY State sponsored project. Announcements will be made via NYC DOT alert system.

Q. Will the MTA increase the frequency of the Q102 bus to Roosevelt Island during the Tram Modernization Project?
A. Check the MTA website for Q102 bus service. On April 1, 2010, the Q102 route should be altered to increase reliability. Otherwise,  consult the MTA website for schedule and routing changes.

Q. Will there be any weekend F train service interruptions during the period of Tram service suspension?
A. RIOC has asked the MTA to minimize any F train service interruptions between March 1 and Sept. 3, 2010. However, the MTA will continue to service tracks and maintenance to its system as it deems necessary. Check the MTA website for information regarding schedule changes and service interruptions on the F train. RIOC will run extra shuttle buses in the event the F train service is interrupted. Check the RIOC website for details.

Q. I am a resident and often arrive on the island from work after midnight during the week and some weekends. Will there be a special schedule for a Red Bus route from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island after 12 am?
A. No, the last RIOC shuttle bus will be leaving Manhattan at 11:30 PM. The subway's F train service will maintain its regular schedule as will the Q102 bus which can pick up passengers from the handicap accessible Queens Plaza (E,G,R,V, lines) station and Queens Borough Plaza (7,W,N lines) station.

Q. I understand that the Red RIOC Shuttle Bus will take riders to the Queens Plaza subway station during rush hour. Is there a special bus stop designated for this particular shuttle bus? If so, where is it located?
A. The RIOC bus will stop at the bus stop located at Queens Plaza South and Jackson Ave. The New York City Transit Authority has agreed to put up a sign identifying the RIOC shuttle bus stop.

Q. What will be the frequency of the RIOC Shuttle Bus  going to the Queens Plaza subway station?
A. The RIOC bus will travel between Roosevelt Island and the Queens Plaza station every 1/2 hour on the hour and half hour weekday mornings between 7:00 and 9:30 AM. Check the RIOC website for schedule details.

Q. Will there be a special fare for the RIOC shuttle buses going to Manhattan and Queens?
A. The fare is $1.00. The fare for Seniors/Disabled and Children between the ages of 5 -16, is 50 cents.

Q. Where can I get information on wheelchair accessible elevator station transfers at Queens Plaza?
A. Check the MTA website for any questions regarding wheel chair accessibility.

Q. Where can I find more information detailing the overview of the Tram Modernization Project?
A. Check the RIOC website for further details and updates.

Aerial Tramway Project | A Brief History | Tram Facts | Project Benefits | Project Milestones | Project Organization Construction Impacts | Supplemental Transportation | FAQs