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In November 2010, New
York City's iconic aerial tramway returns. Opened
in May 1976, the Tram was the first aerial tramway
system in the world to be used for urban mass
transportation. It has been carrying over 2 million
passengers per year for the past 34 years despite
its original projected lifetime of 17 years. It was
created as a temporary solution while subway service
to Roosevelt Island was decades delayed and now it
has been modernized, streamlined, and readied to
serve New York City commuters and sightseers for the
next thirty years.
Until the re-opening,
RIOC buses to Manhattan will continue scheduled
runs. Please check the RIOC website for updates on
the Tram re-opening and bus schedule changes.
The once "stop gap" Tram's service has been integrated with the MTA's
MetroCard system since 2005, providing Tram riders
with the same bus and subway fare structure and
transfer privileges enjoyed by all MTA passengers.
Now, everything but the
bases of the three towers has been replaced and the
stations on Manhattan and Roosevelt Island will be
refurbished while the Tram continues regular
service. This extensive renovation includes tower
tops which have been swapped for new tracks that
accommodate a wider gauge cable and "dual haul"
system - a more advanced cable-propelled transit
system that enables faster service and less
turbulence in high winds.
Leading up to the Tram's
projected November re-opening the system is
undergoing extensive testing. It will be inspected
by the New York State Department of Labor as well as
New York City Uniformed Services prior to being
officially "commissioned" for passenger
transportation. Please check website frequently as
resumption of service is contingent on extensive
required inspections.
New
Roosevelt Island Tram System. Due Fall, 2010
Aerial Tramway Project Completion |
A Brief History |
Tram Facts |
Project Benefits |
Project Milestones
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Project Organization
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Construction Impacts |
Supplemental Transportation |
FAQs
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2010 - Roosevelt
Island Operating Corporation.