Transportation

R.I. Map
 

GETTING TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Directions by Public Transportation
TRAM:

From Manhattan:
Take Tramway Car at 59th Street & Second Avenue Station.(Travel time is 4-5 minutes.) Exit at Tramway Station on Roosevelt Island.		 BUS:

From Queensboro Plaza overpass, take stairway down north side to corner of Crescent and Bridge Plaza North. Take the Q102 Queens Surface bus to Roosevelt Island		 SUBWAY:

Take F to Roosevelt Island stop.

Directions by Car
FROM MANHATTAN:

59th Street Bridge (Upper Level ) to 21st Street. Take 21st Street to 36th Avenue. Make left onto 36th Ave. Continue to Roosevelt Island via the 36th avenue Bridge.

Triborough Bridge to first exit. Make right on 31st Street (under the elevated subway) to 36th Avenue. Make right onto 36th Ave. Continue to Roosevelt Island via the 36th Avenue Bridge.		 FROM LONG ISLAND:

 Grand Central Parkway (West) to last exit before Triborough Bridge (Hoyt Ave.) Remain on Hoyt Ave. to 21st Street. Turn left. Continue to 36th Ave. Make right turn at 36th Avenue. Proceed to Roosevelt Island via 36th Ave. Bridge.		 FROM BROOKLYN via BQE:

 BQE East to Exit 33- Humboldt/McGuiness, at the end of ramp bear left under the BQE to McGuiness, crossing the Pulaski Bridge into Queens. McGuiness becomes 11th street. Continue on 11th to 44th Drive. Make left at light onto 44th drive. Turn right at next light on Vernon Blvd. Follow Vernon Blvd. to 36th Avenue. Turn left on 36th Avenue to Roosevelt Island via the 36th Avenue Bridge.

 Parking on Roosevelt Island is available at Motorgate Garage.


ROOSEVELT ISLAND TRANSPORTATION HISTORY

1955 Roosevelt Island Bridge, then known as the Welfare Island Bridge opens. The bridge connects the Island to Queens via 36th Avenue in Long Island City. Previously, pedestrians and vehicles were transferred to the Island by an elevator located midway on the Queensboro Bridge. The elevator was closed down and finally demolished in 1970.

1976 The Tram opens as a temporary measure until the subway is completed.
This Swiss-made bright red gondola is the only one in North America used for mass transit.

1976 Red Bus service provided to Island residents free of charge.

1976 The Q102 bus of the Queens Surface Transportation begins service to Roosevelt Island. New York City buses have been serving the Island since the 1950's.

1989 The long awaited Roosevelt Island subway station opens. The train connects the Island to Brooklyn, Manhattan and 21st Street in Long Island City.

1990 Free service of the Red bus ends, with a 10 cent fare imposed.

1994 The Red Bus fare increases to 25 cents.

1996 The Tram fare is raised from $1.40 to $1.50.

2003 The Tram fare is raised from $1.50 to $2.00.

2004 The Metrocard is introduced for Tram usage.

2010 March 1st, Tram service suspended to undergo extensive renovation

2010 November 30th Tram re-opens

 

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