View source for Roosevelt Island Tramway

{{Short description|Aerial tram line in New York City}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox aerial lift line
| name            = Roosevelt Island Tramway
| image           = Roosevelt Island tramcar 2010.jpg
| image_width     =
| caption         =
| system          =
| status          = Operational
| location        = [[Manhattan]], New York City, U.S.
| coordinates     = {{Coord|40.7574|N|73.9541|W|region:US-NY_type:landmark|name=Roosevelt Island terminal|display=inline,title}}
| start           = [[Upper East Side]] (west)
| end             = [[Roosevelt Island]] (east)
| no_stations     = 2
| services        = Roosevelt Island
| ridership       = 2,146,128 ({{abbr|FY 2023|Fiscal year ending March 31, 2023}})<ref name="Performance-Measure-Report-FY2223" />
| open            = May 17, 1976<ref name="nyt 19760517" />
| reopen          = November 30, 2010
| close           =
| owner           = [[Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation]]
| operator        = [[Leitner-Poma]]
| no_carriers     = 2
| carrier_cap     = 110
| lift_type       = ATW
| line_color      = red
| character       = Commuter
| line_length     = {{cvt|3140|ft}}
| notes           = <!--[[Electric motor]] powering cable [[bullwheel]]-->
| speed           = {{cvt|17|mph}}
| elev_high       = {{cvt|250|ft}}
| map             = {{maplink-road|from=Roosevelt Island Tramway.map}}
| operating_times = {{Unbulleted list|6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. (weekdays)|6:00 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. (weekends)}}
| headway         = 7.5–15 minutes
| fare            = $2.90
| manufactured_by = [[Von Roll]]
| website         = {{URL|https://rioc.ny.gov/302/Tram}}
}}
The '''Roosevelt Island Tramway''' is an [[aerial tramway]] that crosses the [[East River]] in [[New York City]], connecting [[Roosevelt Island]] to the [[Upper East Side]] of [[Manhattan]]. The tramway is the first commuter aerial tramway in the U.S., having opened on May 17, 1976, to serve residential developments on Roosevelt Island. The tram is operated by [[Leitner-Poma]] on behalf of the [[Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation]] of the State of New York.

Before the tramway opened, Roosevelt Island had been accessed via the [[Roosevelt Island Bridge]] from [[Queens]], which had opened in 1955. Starting in the late 1960s, the [[63rd Street lines|63rd Street subway line]] was built to connect new developments on the island to Manhattan. Due to delays in the subway's construction, the tramway was proposed in 1971 and approved in 1973, initially as a temporary mode of transport. The tramway carried 1.25 million riders in its first year and remained popular thereafter, despite intermittent closures. Ridership declined sharply after the subway opened in 1989, though the tramway remained in operation. Following two major breakdowns in the mid-2000s, the tramway was rebuilt from March to November 2010. The stations were renovated in the late 2010s.

Originally, the tram used two 125-person cabins that were hauled by the same cable. After the 2010 renovation, the cabins were replaced with 110-person vehicles that could operate independently. The cabins travel {{convert|3140|ft}} between an at-grade terminal on Roosevelt Island and an elevated terminal on Manhattan Island. The route operates at all times except late nights, with headways of 7.5 to 15 minutes. The tramway uses the same [[New York City transit fares|fare structure]] as the city's bus and subway systems, and fares are paid with either [[MetroCard]] or [[OMNY]]. Over the years, the Roosevelt Island Tramway has been the subject of commentary and praised as an icon of New York City, and it has been depicted in several works of media.

== History ==

=== Background ===
What is now Roosevelt Island was, until the mid-20th century, known as Blackwell's Island or Welfare Island; it was largely occupied by hospitals and asylums.<ref name="wp-1989-04-23">{{Cite news |last=Conn |first=Stephen R. |date=April 23, 1989 |title=Roosevelt Island: A Tram Ride, A World Apart |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/travel/1989/04/23/roosevelt-island-a-tram-ride-a-world-apart/9888641c-deea-4e25-b56e-cb040d1648f3/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> The [[Queensboro Bridge]], which connected the island with Queens and Manhattan, opened in 1909.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 31, 1909 |title=Queensboro Bridge Opens to Traffic; A Great Host Sees the Mayor and Officials in Autos Speed Across |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/03/31/archives/queensboro-bridge-opens-to-traffic-a-great-host-sees-the-mayor-and.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204547/https://www.nytimes.com/1909/03/31/archives/queensboro-bridge-opens-to-traffic-a-great-host-sees-the-mayor-and.html |url-status=live}}</ref> A [[tram|trolley]] (streetcar) line ran across the bridge when it opened, stopping in the middle of the bridge at an elevator that took passengers down to the island.<ref name="Phillips 1957" /> The trolley remained in service until April 7, 1957, as the last trolley line in New York state;<ref name="Phillips 1957">{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=McCandlish |date=April 7, 1957 |title=City's Last Trolley at End of Line; Buses Will Replace 49-Year Route on Queensboro Span |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/04/07/archives/citys-last-trolley-at-end-of-line-buses-will-replace-49year-route.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=August 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825225857/http://www.nytimes.com/1957/04/07/archives/citys-last-trolley-at-end-of-line-buses-will-replace-49year-route.html |url-status=live}}</ref> a [[Roosevelt Island Bridge|bridge to Queens]] had been completed two years earlier.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 19, 1955 |title=Welfare Island Gets Own Bridge; $6,500,000 Link With Long Island City Is Opened by Jack and Lundy |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/05/19/archives/welfare-island-gets-own-bridge-6500000-link-with-long-island-city.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204550/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/05/19/archives/welfare-island-gets-own-bridge-6500000-link-with-long-island-city.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

After the state government leased Welfare Island from the city in 1969,<ref name="Miller 2017 s935">{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Stephen |date=January 6, 2017 |title=A Brief History of NYC's Weirdest Mode of Transit, the Roosevelt Island Tram |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/a-brief-history-of-nycs-weirdest-mode-of-transit-the-roosevelt-island-tram/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=The Village Voice |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124165219/https://www.villagevoice.com/a-brief-history-of-nycs-weirdest-mode-of-transit-the-roosevelt-island-tram/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> several large housing developments were built there in the early 1970s, necessitating the construction of a public transit connection.<ref name="nyt-1973-08-22">{{Cite news |last=Buckley |first=Tom |date=August 22, 1973 |title=Roosevelt Island: Town in Making |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/08/22/archives/roosevelt-island-town-in-making-substantial-problems-encountered.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204600/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/08/22/archives/roosevelt-island-town-in-making-substantial-problems-encountered.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hopper 2012 t230">{{cite web |last=Hopper |first=Tristin |date=March 9, 2012 |title=Transit planners look to gondolas to put an end to urban gridlock |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/over-the-top-transit-planners-look-to-gondolas-to-put-an-end-to-urban-gridlock |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=National Post |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124165209/https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/over-the-top-transit-planners-look-to-gondolas-to-put-an-end-to-urban-gridlock |url-status=live}}</ref> Welfare Island was renamed Roosevelt Island in 1973,<ref>{{cite web |date=August 21, 1973 |title=Welfare Island Name Changed to Roosevelt |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/08/21/archives/welfare-island-name-changed-to-roosevelt.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119215226/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/08/21/archives/welfare-island-name-changed-to-roosevelt.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and residents began moving onto the island in mid-1975.<ref name="nyt-1975-06-24">{{Cite news |last=Fried |first=Joseph P. |date=June 24, 1975 |title=Roosevelt Island Hailed By First New Residents |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/24/archives/roosevelt-island-hailed-by-first-new-residents.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120164046/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/24/archives/roosevelt-island-hailed-by-first-new-residents.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Roosevelt Island (IND 63rd Street Line)|Roosevelt Island subway station]] on the [[IND 63rd Street Line|63rd Street Line]] was being developed to serve the new community,<ref name="nyt-1973-08-22" /><ref name="Von Eckardt 1974">{{cite news |last=Von Eckardt |first=Wolf |date=May 18, 1974 |title=A Community in the New Town Tradition: In the New Town Tradition |page=B1 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|146183567}}}}</ref> but the entire line was delayed significantly by the mid-1970s.<ref>{{cite news |last=Burks |first=Edward C. |date=July 29, 1976 |title=New Subway Line Delayed 5 or 6 Years |page=35 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1976/07/29/78829669.pdf |access-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007135712/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1976/07/29/78829669.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status=live |via=TimesMachine}}</ref> The first residents of Roosevelt Island had to travel through Queens to leave the island,<ref name="nyt-1975-06-24" /><ref name="King 1975">{{Cite news |last=King |first=Martin |date=October 17, 1975 |title=Strikes Leave Tram Up in Air |pages=7 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-strikes-leave-tram-up-in-air/135493487/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120164046/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-strikes-leave-tram-up-in-air/135493487/ |url-status=live}}</ref> making it difficult to travel to and from Manhattan via car.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}}

=== Development ===

==== Planning ====
Because of the delays in building the subway line, an alternative mode of transportation between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island had to be devised.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}}<ref name="Holcomb 1977">{{Cite news |last=Holcomb |first=Charles |date=September 18, 1977 |title=Roosevelt Island is a NYC success story |pages=6 |work=The Reporter Dispatch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-roosevelt-island-i/135502397/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200458/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-roosevelt-island-i/135502397/ |url-status=live}}</ref> At a meeting of [[Manhattan Community Board 8]] in September 1971, the Welfare Island Development Corporation proposed an aerial tramway,<ref name="The New York Times 1971 i855">{{cite web |date=September 19, 1971 |title='Airbus' Planned Over East River |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/09/19/archives/-airbus-planned-over-east-river-welfare-island-developers-propose.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119222153/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/09/19/archives/-airbus-planned-over-east-river-welfare-island-developers-propose.html |url-status=live}}</ref> which the board narrowly approved the next month.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=October 18, 1971 |title=Clang! Sky Bus for Manhattan |pages=4 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-clang-sky-bus-for-manhattan/135457433/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119222152/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-clang-sky-bus-for-manhattan/135457433/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The tram was to run between the Motorgate parking garage on Welfare Island and [[72nd Street (Manhattan)|72nd Street]] on Manhattan's Upper East Side, with two 120-passenger cabins that ascended {{convert|200|ft}} above the East River.<ref name="The New York Times 1971 i855" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Layton |first=Preston |date=October 18, 1971 |title=Report on Transit Sees a Need for More Gov't Help |pages=5 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-report-on-transit-sees-a-need/135457523/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119222153/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-report-on-transit-sees-a-need/135457523/ |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' wrote that the tramway "ought to be the classiest transportation buy in New York City".<ref>{{cite news |date=September 22, 1971 |title=New heights for transport |page=14 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |id={{ProQuest|511191153}}}}</ref> Although the 72nd Street location had been selected because it was far from the subway, wealthy Manhattan residents objected to the tramway's terminal being placed there.<ref name="Newsday 1986">{{cite news |date=May 17, 1986 |title=Roosevelt I. Tram Marks First Decade |page=14 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285306424}}}}</ref>

The [[Urban Development Corporation]] (UDC), a New York state agency, had studied the feasibility of a ferry, a bus, and an aerial tramway by 1972.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=April 28, 1972 |title=Homing In on Welfare Isle |pages=4 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-homing-in-on-welfare-isle/135460866/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119230911/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-homing-in-on-welfare-isle/135460866/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Ferry routes to 34th, 63rd, and 71st Streets were studied but were ruled out due to high operating costs, lack of mass-transit connections, and lack of union support.<ref name="Moritz 1974">{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=October 7, 1974 |title=Work Begins on Roosevelt Isle Aerial Tram |pages=19 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-work-begins-on-roosevelt-isle/135492472/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120164047/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-work-begins-on-roosevelt-isle/135492472/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Other alternatives under consideration included an elevator extending directly from the Queensboro Bridge.<ref name="nyt-1974-12-01">{{Cite news |last=Bailey |first=Anthony |date=December 1, 1974 |title=Manhattan's other island |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/12/01/archives/manhattans-other-island-roosevelt-island-a-case-study-in-how-to.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019200402/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/12/01/archives/manhattans-other-island-roosevelt-island-a-case-study-in-how-to.html |url-status=live}}</ref> UDC architect William Chafee proposed an aerial tramway,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Blake |first=Peter |date=12 Jan 1976 |title=The Eighth Annual Cityscape Awards |via=Google Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PuMCAAAAMBAJ |magazine=New York Magazine |language=en |publisher=New York Media, LLC |volume=9 |page=57 |issn=0028-7369 |access-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124184752/https://books.google.com/books?id=PuMCAAAAMBAJ |url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|page=652}} which was ultimately selected because it was cheap, direct, and fit into Roosevelt Island's quiet character.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}} By early 1973, the UDC was finalizing plans for a tramway,<ref name="nyt-1973-03-30" /> which was to be the first commuter aerial tramway in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldman |first=John J. |date=January 12, 1975 |title=Island City: Planned New York Town Awaiting First Residents |page=5C |work=The Atlanta Constitution |id={{ProQuest|1557736117}}}}</ref> The tramway was to be the main means of travel between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan,<ref name="Von Eckardt 1974" /> and it was intended as a temporary mode of transit until the subway was completed.<ref name="Hopper 2012 t230" /><ref name="Moritz 1986">{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=March 2, 1986 |title=An Island Adrift in E. River |pages=12 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-an-island-adrift-in-e-river/135576201/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122031603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-an-island-adrift-in-e-river/135576201/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The plans called for two 125-passenger cabins that would travel {{convert|2470|ft}} across the East River's western channel, just south of the Queensboro Bridge.<ref name="nyt-1973-03-30">{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Glenn |date=March 30, 1973 |title=Welfare Island-Manhattan Cable-Car Plan Disclosed |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/03/30/archives/welfare-islandmanhattan-cablecar-plan-disclosed-a-2million-line-to.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119195732/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/03/30/archives/welfare-islandmanhattan-cablecar-plan-disclosed-a-2million-line-to.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Officials hoped the tramway would help the UDC's sales campaigns for the island.<ref>{{cite web |last=Oser |first=Alan S. |date=August 12, 1973 |title=Logue Forecasts 1973 Slowdown In U.D.C. Pace |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/08/12/archives/logue-forecasts-1973-slowdown-in-udc-pace-logue-forecasts-1973.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119230909/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/08/12/archives/logue-forecasts-1973-slowdown-in-udc-pace-logue-forecasts-1973.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Residents of [[York Avenue and Sutton Place|Sutton Place]], a street facing the East River in Manhattan, opposed the tramway plan because they felt the tramway would cause [[urban blight]].<ref name="nyt-1974-12-01" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=August 27, 1973 |title=Sutton Place Toughens Up |pages=8 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sutton-place-toughens-up/135458519/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119222153/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sutton-place-toughens-up/135458519/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[United States Coast Guard]] also needed to approve the project because it crossed a [[navigable waterway]].<ref name="nyt-1974-12-01" /> In September 1973, the route was changed to the north side of the Queensboro Bridge after property owners protested;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fried |first=Joseph P. |date=September 11, 1973 |title=Tramway Route Shifts to 60th St. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/11/archives/tramway-route-shifts-to-60th-st-state-heeds-protests-over-planned.html |access-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204558/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/11/archives/tramway-route-shifts-to-60th-st-state-heeds-protests-over-planned.html |url-status=live}}</ref> UDC president Ed Logue said that "no prominent people lived" near the bridge's north side.<ref name="Newsday 1986" /> The next month, the [[New York City Board of Estimate]] approved the aerial tramway.<ref>{{cite web |last=Seigel |first=Max H. |date=October 5, 1973 |title=Tramway Project Approved by City: Aerial System Will Operate Across the East River to Roosevelt Island |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/05/archives/tramway-project-approved-by-city-aerial-system-will-operate-across.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119222153/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/05/archives/tramway-project-approved-by-city-aerial-system-will-operate-across.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Toscano |first=John |date=October 5, 1973 |title=Roosevelt Island Tramway Okayed |pages=5 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-island-tramway-okay/135459598/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119230910/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-island-tramway-okay/135459598/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The state government was given a franchise for the tramway in December 1973, allowing construction to begin.<ref>{{cite web |last=Carroll |first=Maurice |date=December 7, 1973 |title=Beam Aide Dominates Estimate Board And Lindsay-Favored Programs Wait |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/07/archives/beame-aide-dominates-estimate-board-and-lindsayfavored-programs.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119222152/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/07/archives/beame-aide-dominates-estimate-board-and-lindsayfavored-programs.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Toscano |first=John |date=December 7, 1973 |title=Aerial Tram Gets Go Sign |pages=101 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-aerial-tram-gets-go-sign/135460158/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119230909/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-aerial-tram-gets-go-sign/135460158/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Construction ====
[[File:Roosevelt Island Tram. - panoramio.jpg|left|thumb|One of the original tram cabins in Manhattan]]

Swiss firm [[Von Roll]] was selected to supply and erect the tram and its equipment,<ref name="nyt 19760517" /><ref name="Richterman 1976">{{cite news |last=Richterman |first=Anita |date=June 28, 1976 |title=Problem Line |page=12A |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|920918252}}}}</ref> in part because, according to the ''[[New York Daily News]]'', Von Roll made the "Cadillac of tramways".<ref name="Lewis 1976">{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=John |date=February 17, 1976 |title=Aerial Tram Sails Smoothly – Except for Slight Hangup |pages=ML7 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-aerial-tram-sails-smoothly/135500949/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200457/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-aerial-tram-sails-smoothly/135500949/ |url-status=live}}</ref> VSL, a subsidiary of Von Roll,<ref name="Blumenthal 1980 q829">{{cite web |last=Blumenthal |first=Ralph |date=December 20, 1980 |title=Company Suspended After Fall Of Cable Got Job Without a Bid; No Irregularities Found |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/12/20/archives/company-suspended-after-fall-of-cable-got-job-without-a-bid-no.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121020527/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/12/20/archives/company-suspended-after-fall-of-cable-got-job-without-a-bid-no.html |url-status=live}}</ref> installed the equipment.<ref name="Richterman 1976" /><ref name="Lewis 1976" /> The [[United States Army Corps of Engineers]] solicited public comments on the tramway plan in January 1974.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Sybil |date=January 30, 1974 |title=Ask Public Comment on Island Tramway |pages=ML7 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-ask-public-comment-on-island/135493281/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120164046/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-ask-public-comment-on-island/135493281/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The footpath on the Queensboro Bridge was shuttered that July in preparation for the tramway's opening,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2023/Forest%20Parkway%20NY%20Leader%20Observer/Forest%20Parkway%20NY%20Leader%20Observer%201972-1974/Forest%20Parkway%20NY%20Leader%20Observer%201972-1974%20-%200405.pdf |title=Close Bridge Footpath |work=The Leader-Observer |location=[[Woodhaven, Queens|Woodhaven, New York]] |date=July 25, 1974 |access-date=October 19, 2017 |page=3 |via=[[Fultonhistory.com]] |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811213521/http://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2023/Forest%20Parkway%20NY%20Leader%20Observer/Forest%20Parkway%20NY%20Leader%20Observer%201972-1974/Forest%20Parkway%20NY%20Leader%20Observer%201972-1974%20-%200405.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> and a pair of lampposts at the Manhattan end of the Queensboro Bridge were removed to make way for the tramway.<ref>{{cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=June 24, 2015 |title=Historic Queensboro Bridge Lamppost Base on Display After Years in Storage |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150624/roosevelt-island/historic-queensboro-bridge-lamppost-base-on-display-after-years-storage/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=DNAinfo New York |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119210922/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150624/roosevelt-island/historic-queensboro-bridge-lamppost-base-on-display-after-years-storage/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jamerson |first=Joshua |date=June 23, 2015 |title=The Mystery of a Long-Missing Relic Is Solved and Returned to the Public |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/23/nyregion/the-mystery-of-a-long-missing-relic-is-solved-and-returned-to-the-public.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119210921/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/23/nyregion/the-mystery-of-a-long-missing-relic-is-solved-and-returned-to-the-public.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On the Roosevelt Island side, work was delayed because of the need to relocate the island's municipal laundry building.<ref>{{cite web |last=Darnton |first=John |date=June 10, 1974 |title=Beame Assistants Unsure of Duties |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/06/10/archives/beame-assistants-unsure-of-duties-no-supercommissioners.html |access-date=March 21, 2024 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Work on the route began the first week of October 1974.<ref name="Moritz 1974" /> Construction, initially scheduled to be completed by around September 1975,<ref name="nyt-1975-04-06" /> was delayed due to the UDC's financial issues.<ref name="nyt-1975-04-06">{{Cite news |last=Haitch |first=Richard |date=April 6, 1975 |title=Follow-Up on The News |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/04/06/archives/followup-on-the-news-bikini-atoll-con-ed-plants-the-france-aerial.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120164046/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/04/06/archives/followup-on-the-news-bikini-atoll-con-ed-plants-the-france-aerial.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Young |first1=Lynn |last2=Malamud |first2=Phyllis |date=July 14, 1975 |title=O Pioneers! |magazine=Newsweek |volume=86 |issue=2 |pages=55–56 |id={{ProQuest|1882516706}}}}</ref> An interim commuter bus to Manhattan via Queens was launched in March 1975;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Glenn |date=March 7, 1975 |title=Board of Estimate Votes Tunnel-Work Compromise |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/07/archives/board-of-estimate-votes-tunnelwork-compromise.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120164045/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/07/archives/board-of-estimate-votes-tunnelwork-compromise.html |url-status=live}}</ref> the bus route took up to an hour to reach Manhattan, whereas the tramway was expected to take five minutes.<ref name="The Daily Messenger 1975">{{Cite news |date=November 13, 1975 |title=Mass Transit Aerial Tramway |pages=15 |work=The Daily Messenger |agency=United Press International |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-messenger-mass-transit-aerial/135493349/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120164045/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-messenger-mass-transit-aerial/135493349/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The tramway's engineer, David Ozerkis, predicted the next month that construction would be complete within the year.<ref name="nyt-1975-04-06" /> By that April, two of three tramway towers were finished.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1975-04-07|title=Another Island, Another Life|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-another-island/143817897/|access-date=2024-03-21|work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |first=Fred|last=Bruning|pages=68, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-another-island/143817987/ 69] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

The towers for the tram route were erected by July 1975, when completion was projected for that December.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%20Disk3/Watertown%20Times/Watertown%20NY%20Daily%20Times%201975%20Jul%20Grayscale.pdf |title=Roosevelt Island, New York City's Other Island; a $400 Million Futuristic New Town In the Middle of East River |first=William |last=Clairborne |newspaper=The Washington Post |publisher=Watertown Daily Times |location=[[Woodhaven, Queens|Woodhaven, New York]] |date=July 10, 1975 |access-date=October 19, 2017 |page=4 |via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times 1975 m754">{{cite web |last=Maitland |first=Leslie |date=August 8, 1975 |title=Cable Over River Strung for Tram To Roosevelt Is. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/08/08/archives/cable-over-river-strung-for-tram-to-roosevelt-is.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119230912/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/08/08/archives/cable-over-river-strung-for-tram-to-roosevelt-is.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The first cables for the tramway were installed the next month.<ref name="The New York Times 1975 m754" /> Construction was delayed various times,<ref name="Hoge 1976 e267">{{cite web |last=Hoge |first=Warren |date=May 17, 1976 |title=Roosevelt Island Tramway Ready for Maiden Voyage |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/17/archives/roosevelt-island-tramway-ready-for-maiden-voyage-tramway-ready-for.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120181030/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/17/archives/roosevelt-island-tramway-ready-for-maiden-voyage-tramway-ready-for.html |url-status=live}}</ref> in part due to strikes and inclement weather.<ref name="King 1975" /><ref name="The Daily Messenger 1975" /> The delays prompted numerous unfounded rumors about the route, including conjecture that the cabins were involved in collisions or were being secretly run at night.<ref name="Hoge 1976 e267" /> During an initial test of the route in February 1976, a tram hit a light pole, forcing the removal of the pole.<ref name="Lewis 1976" /> By March of that year, the route was complete, and it only needed additional testing and state government approval before it could open to the public.<ref name="Moritz 1976a">{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=March 29, 1976 |title=East Side, Other Isle, All Aboard the Tram |pages=7 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-east-side-other-isle-all-ab/135497761/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120181030/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-east-side-other-isle-all-ab/135497761/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The tramway had cost $6.25 million{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=15}} or $6.8 million to build<ref name="Hoge 1976 e267" /> (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=6.25|start_year=1976|fmt=c}}–{{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=6.8|start_year=1976|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}) It was funded by bonds that had been issued to fund the development of Roosevelt Island. The equipment and vehicles had cost at least $2 million (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=2|start_year=1976|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}), while the support towers and stations cost another $4.25 million (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=4.25|start_year=1976|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}).{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=|pages=14–15}}

=== Opening and early operations ===

==== 1970s ====
[[File:Roosevelt Island Tramway tower.jpg|thumb|right|upright|An old tram car crossing the East River, 2005]]

The tramway route opened on May 17, 1976.<ref name="nyt 19760517">{{Cite news |last=Ferretti |first=Fred |date=May 18, 1976 |title=Aerial Tram Ride to Roosevelt Island Is Opened With a Splash-on O'Dwyer |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/18/archives/aerial-tram-ride-to-roosevelt-island-is-opened-with-a-splashon.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204551/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/18/archives/aerial-tram-ride-to-roosevelt-island-is-opened-with-a-splashon.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Volkman 1976">{{cite news |last=Volkman |first=Ernest |date=May 18, 1976 |title=A Tram Joins The Skyline: High-Wire Act Is Manhattan's New Transfer |page=1 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|922589243}}}}</ref><ref name="Moritz 1976">{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=May 18, 1976 |title=Come On & Take the A Tram! |pages=3 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-come-on-take-the-a-tram/135497635/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120181030/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-come-on-take-the-a-tram/135497635/ |url-status=live}}</ref> As built, there was one elevator at the Manhattan terminal; the Roosevelt Island terminal was at ground level.<ref name="The New York Times 1979 q463" /><ref name="Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation 1977 p. 11" /> The first staff members included an unemployed firefighter who, according to ''[[The New York Times]]'', said that his knowledge of "rescue procedures" had gotten him the job.<ref name="nyt 19760517" /> The city's franchise to the UDC mandated that the tram's fare be at least 25 cents more expensive than the subway's fare, preventing the tram from drawing away subway riders.<ref name="nyt-1989-11-17">{{Cite news |last=Freitag |first=Michael |date=November 17, 1989 |title=Hard Times Overtake the Roosevelt Tram |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/17/nyregion/hard-times-overtake-the-roosevelt-tram.html |access-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514002719/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/17/nyregion/hard-times-overtake-the-roosevelt-tram.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The route was free on its opening day, but rides were 50 cents ({{inflation|index=US|value=0.50|start_year=1976|fmt=eq}}{{inflation-fn|index=US}}) thereafter.<ref name="Volkman 1976" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Hoge |first=Warren |date=May 19, 1976 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/19/archives/tramway-gets-first-paying-passengers.html |access-date=2024-01-06 |title=Tramway Gets First Paying Passengers |page=46 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|122567190}} |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106034839/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/19/archives/tramway-gets-first-paying-passengers.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Following Roosevelt Island residents' complaints, the UDC stopped selling fares in Manhattan, gave "priority passes" to Roosevelt Island residents, limited the capacity of each tram, and prohibited several activities onboard.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wedemeyer |first=Dee |date=May 29, 1976 |title=Tram Visitors Plaguing Roosevelt Island |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/29/archives/tram-visitors-plaguing-roosevelt-island.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120181030/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/29/archives/tram-visitors-plaguing-roosevelt-island.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Bicycles were allowed in the cabins, but the UDC gave priority to passengers.<ref name="The New York Times 1979 q463">{{cite web |last=Herman |first=Robin |date=June 3, 1979 |title=An Easier Ride for You and Your Bike |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/03/archives/an-easier-ride-for-you-and-your-bike.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012518/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/03/archives/an-easier-ride-for-you-and-your-bike.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Paul Goldberger]] of ''The New York Times'' wrote that Roosevelt Island's popularity rose significantly after the tramway opened,<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=September 26, 1977 |title=A Broader Horizon Is in the Offing for Roosevelt Island |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/09/26/archives/a-broader-horizon-is-in-the-offing-for-roosevelt-island-new.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200458/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/09/26/archives/a-broader-horizon-is-in-the-offing-for-roosevelt-island-new.html |url-status=live}}</ref> while a writer for the [[Gannett News Service]] said the tramway had become both a tourist attraction in itself and an icon of the island.<ref name="Holcomb 1977" /> After the UDC fired the original operator, [[ITT Inc.]], it hired [[VSL International]] to run the tram in January 1977;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saunders |first=D. J. |date=April 15, 1977 |title=Islanders Are Hung Up on the Line |pages=ML8 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-islanders-are-hung-up-on-the/135502264/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200458/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-islanders-are-hung-up-on-the/135502264/ |url-status=live}}</ref> there was no bidding process before VSL received the contract.<ref name="Blumenthal 1980 q829" /> VSL's staff of 20 tram operators (who also worked as station attendants), six mechanics, and four console operators worked three shifts of eight hours each.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fulman |first=Ricki |date=September 23, 1977 |title=A view from the tram |pages=51 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-view-from-the-tram/135502791/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200457/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-a-view-from-the-tram/135502791/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The UDC received a $2 million annual subsidy from the state government (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=2|start_year=1977|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}) for the tramway and other projects on Roosevelt Island.<ref name="nyt-1977-05-20">{{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Laurie |date=May 20, 1977 |title=First Anniversary of Tramway Finds Real Community on Roosevelt Island |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/20/archives/first-anniversary-of-tramway-finds-real-community-on-roosevelt.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120164046/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/20/archives/first-anniversary-of-tramway-finds-real-community-on-roosevelt.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1977—its first full year of operation—the tramway recorded an $800,000 deficit ({{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=800000|start_year=1977|r=-3|fmt=eq}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref name="The New York Times 1978 w851">{{cite web |date=March 19, 1978 |title=Insurance Rates Cited in $800,000 Tramway Deficit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/19/archives/insurance-rates-cited-in-800000-tramway-deficit-new-plan-being.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200456/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/19/archives/insurance-rates-cited-in-800000-tramway-deficit-new-plan-being.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Goldstein 1978a">{{Cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Steve |date=May 15, 1978 |title=Tramway Takes Us for High Ride: 800G |pages=8 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tramway-takes-us-for-high-rid/135503639/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200459/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tramway-takes-us-for-high-rid/135503639/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The tramway's liability insurance policy cost $900,000 per year ({{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=900000|start_year=1977|r=-3|fmt=eq}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}), almost equal to its revenue from fares; such an expensive insurance cost was necessitated by the fact that there were no other aerial commuter tramways in the U.S.<ref name="The New York Times 1978 w851" /><ref name="Goldstein 1978">{{Cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Steve |date=March 19, 1978 |title=Aerial Tram Is Dangling in Insurance Deficit |pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-aerial-tram-is-dangling-in-in/135503452/ 10] |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-aerial-tram-is-dangling-in-in/135503192/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200458/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-aerial-tram-is-dangling-in-in/135503192/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, operating expenses amounted to $1 million a year (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=1|start_year=1978|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}),<ref name="The New York Times 1978 w851" /> and the state government was essentially paying a 95-cent subsidy for every rider.<ref name="Goldstein 1978" /> Despite the lack of any major accidents, the tramway continued to have high insurance costs in 1978.<ref name="Goldstein 1978a" /> This prompted governor [[Hugh Carey]] to ask his aides to study the feasibility of having the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA) take over the line.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Poster |first=Thomas |date=July 23, 1978 |title=Gov Orders MTA to Run Tramway |pages=5 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gov-orders-mta-to-run-tramway/135519307/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012520/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gov-orders-mta-to-run-tramway/135519307/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The tramway was shuttered in mid-November 1978 so workers could replace the haul cable,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/11/14/archives/roosevelt-islands-tram-is-shut-down-for-repairs.html |title=Roosevelt Island's Tram Is Shut Down for Repairs |last=Johnston |first=Laurie |date=November 14, 1978 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=June 12, 2017 |language=en-US |archive-date=October 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020140329/http://www.nytimes.com/1978/11/14/archives/roosevelt-islands-tram-is-shut-down-for-repairs.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Morehouse 1978">{{cite news |last=Morehouse |first=Ward III |date=November 15, 1978 |title=N.Y. grounds its cable commuters: Schedules upset too Longest time out yet |page=5 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |id={{ProQuest|512072684}}}}</ref> which was beyond the end of its service life.<ref name="New York Daily News 1978">{{Cite news |date=November 13, 1978 |title=Roosevelt Tram Closing for Repairs |pages=8 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-tram-closing-for-re/135519201/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012518/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-tram-closing-for-re/135519201/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The cable replacement project cost $75,000 and took two weeks.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 28, 1978 |title=Tramway Trams Again |page=18Q |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|965026721}}}}</ref> Afterward, the tramway had to be closed every two years so workers could replace the haul cable.<ref name="The New York Times 1980 c598">{{cite web |last=Gargan |first=Edward A. |date=December 20, 1980 |title=Roosevelt I. Tram Cable Falls to Street a 2d Time; Upper Level Lanes Closed Cable Nearly Two Inches Thick Section of Tram Cable From Roosevelt Island Falls to Street 2d Time Cable Made in Switzerland |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/12/20/archives/roosevelt-i-tram-cable-falls-to-street-a-2d-time-upper-level-lanes.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012518/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/12/20/archives/roosevelt-i-tram-cable-falls-to-street-a-2d-time-upper-level-lanes.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 1980s ====
A plaza around the tram's Manhattan terminal was established in 1980.<ref name="New York City Department of Parks & Recreation 2007">{{cite web |date=July 19, 2007 |title=Parks & Recreation Cuts Ribbon On Reconstructed Tramway Plaza : NYC Parks |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tramway-plaza/pressrelease/19922 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416050405/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tramway-plaza/pressrelease/19922 |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation}}</ref> After the tram was closed in November 1980 for haul cable replacement, the new cable fell twice in one month,<ref name="The New York Times 1980 c598" /><ref>{{cite news |date=December 20, 1980 |title=Cable for Tram Plunges Again, Clogging Traffic |page=10 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-cable-for-tram/135521734/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|966197027}} |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121020525/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-cable-for-tram/135521734/ |url-status=live}}</ref> prompting investigations by the state government.<ref name="The New York Times 1981 a897">{{cite web |last=Farber |first=M. A. |date=January 19, 1981 |title=Tram Repaired, Still Idle While an Inquiry is Made |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/19/nyregion/tram-repaired-still-idle-while-an-inquiry-is-made.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012519/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/19/nyregion/tram-repaired-still-idle-while-an-inquiry-is-made.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The months-long closure caused overcrowding on Queens bus routes<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=William |date=January 13, 1981 |title=Roosevelt Island Bus Service Hit |pages=XQ2 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/28627793/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121020526/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/28627793/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and did not end until March 1981.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tramway Service Resumes Between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=March 7, 1981 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/07/nyregion/york-times-dith-pran.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012518/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/07/nyregion/york-times-dith-pran.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 7, 1981 |first=Ron |last=Howell |title=Tram Takes 'Em for a Joy Ride |pages=4 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tram-takes-em-for-a-joy-ride/135521810/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121020526/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tram-takes-em-for-a-joy-ride/135521810/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The extended closure of the tramway had also prompted proposals for a year-round ferry to Roosevelt Island,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 5, 1981 |agency=United Press International |title=Ferry Is Considered for Roosevelt Island |pages=29 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-ferry-is-considered-for-roosevel/135523450/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121023304/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-ferry-is-considered-for-roosevel/135523450/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |first1=Michael |last1=Oreskes |first2=Vincent |last2=Cosgrove |date=February 10, 1981 |title=Eye ferry run along E. River |pages=13 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-eye-ferry-run-along-e-river/135523378/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121023300/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-eye-ferry-run-along-e-river/135523378/ |url-status=live}}</ref> but interest in the ferry disappeared after the tram reopened.<ref>{{cite web |last=Strum |first=Charles |date=February 28, 1982 |title=Follow-Up on the News; Tram vs. Ferry |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/28/nyregion/follow-up-on-the-news-tram-vs-ferry.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121020526/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/28/nyregion/follow-up-on-the-news-tram-vs-ferry.html |url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|A separate ferry from Roosevelt Island to [[Lower Manhattan]] launched in 1986.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 13, 1986 |title=From Roosevelt Island, Ship-to-Shore Service |pages=17 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-from-roosevelt/135576753/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |first=Van A. |last=Hayden |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122031617/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-from-roosevelt/135576753/ |url-status=live}}</ref>}} Further haul-cable replacements occurred in November 1983<ref>{{cite web |title=The City; Tram to Be Closed |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=November 17, 1983 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/17/nyregion/the-city-tram-to-be-closed.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121020526/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/17/nyregion/the-city-tram-to-be-closed.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 17, 1983 |title=Tram service suspended |pages=12 |work=The Reporter Dispatch |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-tram-service-suspe/135523622/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121023300/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-tram-service-suspe/135523622/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and August 1985.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 3, 1985 |title=Roosevelt tram to close for 2 weeks in August |pages=8 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-tram-to-close-for-2/135524053/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121023303/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-tram-to-close-for-2/135524053/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Although both cabins were originally red, one of the cabins was repainted blue in 1984, prompting complaints from some residents.<ref name="nyt-1986-08-22">{{Cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Susan Heller |last2=Dunlap |first2=David W. |date=August 22, 1986 |title=New York Day by Day; Tram Riders See Red Again |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/22/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-tram-riders-see-red-again.html |access-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122235530/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/22/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-tram-riders-see-red-again.html |url-status=live}}</ref> State officials warned in late 1985 that tram passengers could have to wait as long as 45 minutes if the subway line to Roosevelt Island were not completed within three years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Collins |first=T. J. |date=November 21, 1985 |title=Travel Woes Seen For Roosevelt I. |page=39 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-travel-woes-seen-for-roosevelt-i/135524033/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|285360789}} |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121023301/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-travel-woes-seen-for-roosevelt-i/135524033/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation]] (RIOC), a state agency created in 1984 to manage Roosevelt Island,<ref>{{cite web |date=November 7, 2014 |title=Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/167/Roosevelt-Island-Operating-Corporation-H |access-date=January 4, 2024 |website=rioc.ny.gov |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104162117/https://rioc.ny.gov/167/Roosevelt-Island-Operating-Corporation-H |url-status=live}}</ref> took over the tram service when it was created.<ref>{{Cite enc-nyc2|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=lI5ERUmHf3YC&dq=%22Roosevelt+Island+Operating+Corporation%22+tram&pg=PT5227 5227]}}</ref>

The tramway's insurance cost $677,000 a year ({{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=677000|start_year=1986|r=-3|fmt=eq}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}) when the liability insurance policy expired in early 1986;<ref name="Newsday 1986a">{{cite news |date=March 2, 1986 |agency=United Press International |title=Tramway Set to Reopen |page=32A |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|1640006782}}}}</ref> at the time, the tram served 150,000 people a month.<ref name="Pawel 1986">{{cite news |last=Pawel |first=Miriam |date=February 13, 1986 |title=Roosevelt Tram Shutdown Set |page=5 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-tram-faces-clos/135576438/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|285251372}} |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122031603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-tram-faces-clos/135576438/ |url-status=live}}</ref> After the insurance expired, the [[New York State Senate]] failed to pass a bill that allowed the state to [[Self-insurance|self-insure]] the tramway; the [[New York State Assembly]], the state's other legislative body, had already approved the bill.<ref name="Pawel 1986" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Carmody |first=Deirdre |date=February 14, 1986 |title=Insurance Gap to Close Tram to Roosevelt I. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/14/nyregion/insurance-gap-to-close-tram-to-roosevelt-i.html |access-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122235530/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/14/nyregion/insurance-gap-to-close-tram-to-roosevelt-i.html |url-status=live}}</ref> This was in part due to objections from [[Upstate New York|upstate]] politicians who wanted liability insurance for their communities as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pawel |first=Miriam |date=February 17, 1986 |title=Tram Bill Becomes Political Football |pages=17 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-tram-bill-beco/135576416/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122031604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-tram-bill-beco/135576416/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The route stopped running in February 1986.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 16, 1986 |title=For Roosevelt Island, Detours on First Day Without Tram |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/16/nyregion/for-roosevelt-island-detours-on-first-day-without-tram.html |access-date=June 12, 2017 |archive-date=October 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020140426/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/16/nyregion/for-roosevelt-island-detours-on-first-day-without-tram.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |id={{ProQuest|285357957}} |title=No Tram to an Island As Insurance Expires |first=Adrianne |last=Goodman |date=February 16, 1986 |page=21 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298}}</ref> After the State Senate initially rejected the self-insurance bill again,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 26, 1986 |title=Senate Votes Down Bill For Insuring Tramway |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/26/nyregion/senate-votes-down-bill-for-insuring-tramway.html |access-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012004129/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/26/nyregion/senate-votes-down-bill-for-insuring-tramway.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |id={{ProQuest|285233626}} |title=Leaders In Senate Vow to Pass Tram Bill |first=Jennifer |last=Preston |date=February 26, 1986 |page=11 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298}}</ref> it ultimately allowed the state government to pay $8 million a year in insurance (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=8|start_year=1986|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}),<ref name="Newsday 1986a" /> and the route reopened after two weeks.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Thomas |last=Raftery |date=March 4, 1986 |title=On the road again! |pages=XQ16 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-on-the-road-again/135576558/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122031604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-on-the-road-again/135576558/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Hurtado |first=Patricia |date=March 3, 1986 |title=Roosevelt I. Commuters Welcome Tramway |page=4 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285428030}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 4, 1986 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram Goes Back Into Service |page=B1 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|425814634}}}}</ref> The State Senate failed to pass a separate bill that would formalize the state government's involvement in paying insurance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weston |first=Martin |date=March 4, 1986 |title=Senate Balks at Approving Tram Protection |page=17 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-senate-balks-at-approving-tram-p/135576703/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|285263386}} |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122051218/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-senate-balks-at-approving-tram-p/135576703/ |url-status=live}}</ref> By mid-1986, the tramway was operating at full capacity.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 25, 1986 |title=Roosevelt Isle Residents Vote to Fight Complex |page=41 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285387240}}}}</ref> The tramway closed for a week in August 1986 due to an electrical issue, and the blue cabin was repainted red.<ref name="nyt-1986-08-22" />

In mid-1989, mayor [[Ed Koch]] indicated that the tram might be closed after the subway opened. One local resident stated at the time: "For many Islanders, this could be a day that will live in infamy: When the subway finally comes, the cherished tram may go."<ref name="wp-1989-04-23" /> The line was again temporarily closed that July, after nine riders were injured when a cabin crashed into the Manhattan terminal.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=July 26, 1989 |title=Roosevelt Tram to Stay Shut While Mishap Is Investigated |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/26/nyregion/roosevelt-tram-to-stay-shut-while-mishap-is-investigated.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023624/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/26/nyregion/roosevelt-tram-to-stay-shut-while-mishap-is-investigated.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 25, 1989 |title=Roosevelt I. tram slam hurts 9 riders |pages=26 |work=Daily News |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-i-tram-slam-hurts/135624851/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023628/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-i-tram-slam-hurts/135624851/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 25, 1989 |title=Roosevelt I. Tram Closed for Repairs |pages=26 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-roosevelt-i-tram-closed-for-rep/135624900/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |first=Elaine |last=Rivera |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023635/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-roosevelt-i-tram-closed-for-rep/135624900/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Under an agreement with the city government, fares on the tramway were raised by 25 cents after the 63rd Street subway opened in October 1989.<ref name="nyt-1989-11-17" /><ref name="Wright 1989" /><ref name="New York Daily News 1989">{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1989 |title=Closing it would be a tram shame |pages=MJ3 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-closing-it-would-be-a-tram-sh/135624265/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023715/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-closing-it-would-be-a-tram-sh/135624265/ |url-status=live}}</ref> RIOC estimated that the tram would lose $1 million in a year (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=1|start_year=1989|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}) because of competition from the subway.<ref name="nyt-1989-11-17" /><ref name="New York Daily News 1989" /> When the subway opened, RIOC fired staff members and installed token machines in an effort to cut costs.<ref name="New York Daily News 1989" /><ref name="Foran 1989">{{Cite news |last=Foran |first=Katherine |date=November 10, 1989 |title=Tramway Fans in Wait-and-See |pages=19, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-tramway-fans-in-wait-and-see/135625191/ 46] |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-tramway-fans-in-wait-and-see/135625004/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023704/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-tramway-fans-in-wait-and-see/135625004/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[New York (magazine)|''New York'' magazine]] wrote that some residents opposed the tramway's closure because it provided a wheelchair-accessible connection to more bus routes in Manhattan than the subway did.<ref name="McDonald 1989">{{cite magazine |via=Google Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T-cCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA28 |title=Island of Doubt |last=McDonald |first=Jack |date=September 4, 1989 |magazine=New York Magazine |publisher=New York Media, LLC |page=28 |language=en |issn=0028-7369 |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123134309/https://books.google.com/books?id=T-cCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA28 |url-status=live}}</ref> Two thousand people signed a petition in support of saving the tramway,<ref name="Foran 1989" /> and RIOC said it had no plans to close the tram.<ref name="McDonald 1989" />

==== 1990s ====
Following decreases in rush-hour ridership of up to 45 percent, [[New York City Council]] member [[Robert Dryfoos]] sponsored legislation in April 1990 that would allow the city and state to continue operating the tram.<ref name="nyt-1990-04-08">{{Cite news |last=Hevesi |first=Dennis |date=April 8, 1990 |title=Roosevelt I. Tram Faces Money Woes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/08/nyregion/roosevelt-i-tram-faces-money-woes.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023625/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/08/nyregion/roosevelt-i-tram-faces-money-woes.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Dryfoos's bill called for the city to stop charging the tramway a $136,000 annual franchise fee ({{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=136000|start_year=1990|r=-3|fmt=eq}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}); remove a requirement that a tram ride be more expensive than a subway ride; and allow students to ride the tram for free.<ref name="nyt-1990-04-08" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Owen |date=April 2, 1990 |title=Still High Hopes for Tram |pages=XQ6 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-still-high-hopes-for-tram/135625884/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023705/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-still-high-hopes-for-tram/135625884/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The Board of Estimate agreed to provide discounted senior fares and free student fares; while the [[New York City Mayor's Office of Management and Budget|Office of Management and Budget]] agreed to fund the senior fares, the [[New York City Department of Education|Department of Education]] would not pay for the student fares.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Anthony |date=September 1, 1996 |title=Islanders Say Pataki Added Insult to Cut |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/01/nyregion/islanders-say-pataki-added-insult-to-cut.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123212016/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/01/nyregion/islanders-say-pataki-added-insult-to-cut.html |url-status=live}}</ref> RIOC also wanted the city government to attract tourists to the tram.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=April 30, 1990 |title=Apple Sauce |pages=6 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-apple-sauce/135627884/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123031038/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-apple-sauce/135627884/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In late 1990, [[NYNEX]] received permission to build a phone substation and an observation deck directly beneath the tramway, next to one of the support towers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 2, 1990 |title=Postings: Observation Deck; Under the Tram |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/02/realestate/postings-observation-deck-under-the-tram.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023700/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/02/realestate/postings-observation-deck-under-the-tram.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Ultimately, the tramway remained as a permanent transit link.<ref name="Hopper 2012 t230" /><ref name="Brown 2016">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Nicole |date=May 9, 2016 |title=A Soaring NYC Landmark: Roosevelt Island Tram Celebrating 40 Years of Service |page= |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|1787448977}}}}</ref> The tram was closed in October 1993 due to electrical issues<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 19, 1993 |title=Electrical problem shuts down tramway |pages=21 |work=The Journal News |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-electrical-problem-shut/135628684/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123031054/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-electrical-problem-shut/135628684/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and was repaired over the next three months.<ref name="nyt-1993-12-26">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/26/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-when-will-troubled-tram-reopen-give-it-few.html |title=Neighborhood Report: Roosevelt Island; When Will Troubled Tram Reopen? Give It a Few More Weeks |last=Howe |first=Marvine |date=December 26, 1993 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=July 26, 2016 |archive-date=August 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819231649/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/26/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-when-will-troubled-tram-reopen-give-it-few.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It reopened in February 1994<ref>{{cite news |last=Freifeld |first=Karen |date=February 14, 1994 |title=Island Tram Resumes |page=25 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-island-tram-resumes/135651641/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|278737266}} |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123182218/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-island-tram-resumes/135651641/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 15, 1994 |title=Once Again, Commuters Are Up in the Air |page=B1 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|429452257}}}}</ref> but closed again that July for a $2.1 million renovation (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=2.1|start_year=1994|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref>{{cite news |date=July 9, 1994 |title=Roosevelt Is. Tram Refit |page=A14 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278769150}}}}</ref>

During the 1990s, RIOC promoted various programs and events to increase its revenue and the tramway's ridership.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldin |first=Davidson |date=July 9, 1995 |title=Neighborhood Report: Roosevelt Island; Island Woos Visitors to Ease Budget Crunch |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/09/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-island-woos-visitors-to-ease-budget-crunch.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123212016/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/09/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-island-woos-visitors-to-ease-budget-crunch.html |url-status=live}}</ref> To promote museums in [[Long Island City]] and [[Astoria, Queens]], RIOC started selling "Tram Artlink" passes in 1994, which included tram tickets, connecting bus service, and museum admission.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bazzi |first=Mohamad |date=September 21, 1994 |title=Air Tram to the Art Treasures; Roosevelt I. museum deal |page=B07 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-air-tram-to-the-art-treasures-ro/135651615/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|278813177}} |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123182219/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-air-tram-to-the-art-treasures-ro/135651615/ |url-status=live}}</ref> By 1995, further financial troubles forced RIOC to propose reducing service by four hours on weekdays and five hours on weekends.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lambert |first=Bruce |date=April 16, 1995 |title=Neighborhood Report: Manhattan Up Close; How the Budget Bite Might Feel |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/16/nyregion/neighborhood-report-manhattan-up-close-how-the-budget-bite-might-feel.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123203741/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/16/nyregion/neighborhood-report-manhattan-up-close-how-the-budget-bite-might-feel.html |url-status=live}}</ref> RIOC's agreement with the city government expired in 1995.<ref name="Miller 2017 s935" /> Governor [[George Pataki]] announced in early 1996 that he wanted to eliminate all subsidies for RIOC, including subsidies for the tramway;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lombardi |first=Frank |date=January 18, 1996 |title=Miller scores on backlash over budget |pages=35 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-miller-scores-on-backlash-ove/135656172/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123203744/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-miller-scores-on-backlash-ove/135656172/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1996-02-04">{{Cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Anthony |date=February 4, 1996 |title=Neighborhood Report; Roosevelt Islanders Fear Pataki Will Pull Plug |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/04/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-islanders-fear-pataki-will-pull-plug.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123203742/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/04/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-islanders-fear-pataki-will-pull-plug.html |url-status=live}}</ref> at the time, the tram was operating at a $1 million annual loss (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=1|start_year=1996|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 12, 1996 |title=Pataki Sees Tax Boon in Cutting Off Roosevelt Island |page=1 |work=All Things Considered |publisher=NPR |id={{ProQuest|190049964}}}}</ref> Despite protests from residents,<ref name="nyt-1996-02-04" /> the state stopped subsidizing the tramway the same year.<ref name="nyt-2002-05-18">{{Cite news |date=May 18, 2002 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram May Start Carrying Ads |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/18/nyregion/roosevelt-island-tram-may-start-carrying-ads.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183013/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/18/nyregion/roosevelt-island-tram-may-start-carrying-ads.html |url-status=live}}</ref> With the elimination of the state subsidy, Roosevelt Island residents feared that the tram could not be repaired in an emergency, since many parts for the tram were manufactured in Switzerland and imported at a high cost.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Anthony |date=July 21, 1996 |title=Neighborhood Report: Roosevelt Island; Pipeline From Albany Looks Drier |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/21/nyregion/neihborhood-report-roosevelt-island-pipeline-from-albany-looks-drier.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124011443/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/21/nyregion/neihborhood-report-roosevelt-island-pipeline-from-albany-looks-drier.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Residents also expressed concerns over decreases in service.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Anthony |date=June 8, 1997 |title=Residents Battle for Budget Details, Fearing Cuts to Tram and Seawall |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/08/nyregion/residents-battle-for-budget-details-fearing-cuts-to-tram-and-seawall.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124011442/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/08/nyregion/residents-battle-for-budget-details-fearing-cuts-to-tram-and-seawall.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The tramway was again temporarily shuttered in January 1998 when a crane hit a cabin and injured 11 passengers;<ref name="nyt-1998-01-29" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 28, 1998 |title=Terror in the Air |pages=A7, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-terror-in-the-air/135659767/ A31] |first1=Graham |last1=Rayman |first2=Dan |last2=Morrison |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-terror-in-the-air/135659727/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123231124/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-terror-in-the-air/135659727/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 28, 1998 |first=Verena |last=Dobnik |title=Eleven injured as crane hits Roosevelt Island tram |pages=12 |work=The Jersey Journal |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-jersey-journal-eleven-injured-as-cra/135659752/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123231237/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-jersey-journal-eleven-injured-as-cra/135659752/ |url-status=live}}</ref> after the damaged cabin was repaired, the tramway reopened one week later.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Halbfinger |first=David M. |date=February 9, 1998 |title=After Repairs, Roosevelt Island Tram Resumes Service |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/09/nyregion/after-repairs-roosevelt-island-tram-resumes-service.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183011/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/09/nyregion/after-repairs-roosevelt-island-tram-resumes-service.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |id={{ProQuest|313612943}} |title=Roosevelt Island Tram Resumes Service Today |last=Lombardi |first=Frank |date=February 9, 1998 |page=10 |work=New York Daily News}}</ref> The tram was still losing $700,000 a year ({{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=700000|start_year=1998|r=-3|fmt=eq}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}), and twice as many people used the Roosevelt Island subway station as the tramway.<ref name="nyt-1998-01-29">{{Cite news |last=Archibold |first=Randal C. |date=January 29, 1998 |title=Tramless Days on Roosevelt Island |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/29/nyregion/tramless-days-on-roosevelt-island.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183012/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/29/nyregion/tramless-days-on-roosevelt-island.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Roosevelt Island's chief operating officer, Jerome Blue, wanted to reduce operating hours to save money, but many of the island's residents objected.<ref name="nyt-1998-03-03">{{Cite news |last=Bearak |first=Barry |date=March 3, 1998 |title=Small-Town Feel, and Feud; Roosevelt Islanders Battle Government Over Cutbacks |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/03/nyregion/small-town-feel-and-feud-roosevelt-islanders-battle-government-over-cutbacks.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123231151/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/03/nyregion/small-town-feel-and-feud-roosevelt-islanders-battle-government-over-cutbacks.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In particular, disabled and senior residents preferred using the tram over the subway.<ref name="nyt-1998-03-03" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Fitz-Gibbon |first=Jorge |date=January 29, 1998 |title=Tramless Do Without |page=18 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313593652}}}}</ref> The elevators to the subway station were often out of service, and the island's wheelchair-accessible buses traveled only to Queens.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kirby |first=David |date=October 22, 2000 |title=Neighborhood Report: Roosevelt Island; Disabled Say Island Is Even More So With Old Elevators |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/22/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-disabled-say-island-even-more-so-with-old.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183013/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/22/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-disabled-say-island-even-more-so-with-old.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Blue also wanted to eliminate free fares for students, but this was unsuccessful, as was his attempt to cut back operating hours.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stamler |first=Bernard |date=March 7, 1999 |title=Tempest on the River; It Was Supposed to Be an Urban Utopia. Today, Roosevelt Island Is a Battleground. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/07/nyregion/tempest-river-it-was-supposed-be-urban-utopia-today-roosevelt-island.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123231121/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/07/nyregion/tempest-river-it-was-supposed-be-urban-utopia-today-roosevelt-island.html |url-status=live}}</ref> By the late 1990s, tramway riders were advocating for free transfers to the bus and subway systems; at the time, riders had to pay another fare if they wanted to transfer.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rutenberg |first=James |date=February 18, 1998 |title=Roosevelt I. Wants Free Tramsfers |page=6 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313602329}}}}</ref>

=== 21st century ===
[[File:Those guys on top of the Tram (37715015142).jpg|thumb|upright|The tramway seen at dawn|alt=One of the tramway's support towers as seen at dawn. There is a cabin on the wires to the right of the support tower.]]

==== 2000s: Increasing unreliability ====
By 2001, there were plans to halt all service from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. due to low ridership. Each nighttime trip effectively received a $6.45 subsidy from the RIOC (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=6.45|start_year=2001|fmt=c}} in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}), more than double the subsidy for each daytime trip, and the line was losing $1.7 million annually (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=1.7|start_year=2001|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kugel |first=Seth |date=August 19, 2001 |title=Neighborhood Report: Roosevelt Island; Islanders Plead for Late Trams, To Retain 'Lifeline to Manhattan' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/19/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-islanders-plead-for-late-trams-retain.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183013/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/19/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-islanders-plead-for-late-trams-retain.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The tramway was temporarily closed for cable replacement in November 2001.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kinetz |first=Erika |date=January 13, 2002 |title=Neighborhood Report: Roosevelt Island; For Want of a Piece of Cable, a Tram Was Lost |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/13/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-for-want-piece-cable-tram-was-lost.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183012/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/13/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-for-want-piece-cable-tram-was-lost.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Although the closure was supposed to last one month, the tramway did not reopen until March 2002 because the original replacement cable was {{convert|8|ft}} too short. During the closure, the cabins were also restored.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kinetz |first=Erika |date=March 31, 2002 |title=Neighborhood Report: Roosevelt Island; The Tram Is Back, With New Parts and the Old (Grateful) Commuters |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/31/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-tram-back-with-new-parts-old-grateful.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183014/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/31/nyregion/neighborhood-report-roosevelt-island-tram-back-with-new-parts-old-grateful.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The RIOC's chief operating officer Robert Ryan proposed running advertisements on the tram cabins in mid-2002 to reduce the line's operating deficit, though New York City Council speaker [[Gifford Miller]] said such advertisements were illegal.<ref name="nyt-2002-05-18" /> Ultimately, RIOC ran advertisements on the cabins despite not having received permission from the city.<ref name="Miller 2017 s935" />

The subway stopped accepting tokens as fare payment in May 2003, followed by the city's bus system that December,<ref name="Robin 2003">{{Cite news |last=Robin |first=Joshua |date=December 10, 2003 |title=Buses to Bid Farewell to the Venerable Token |pages=A16 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-buses-to-bid-farewell-to-the-ven/135399088/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204552/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-buses-to-bid-farewell-to-the-ven/135399088/ |url-status=live}}</ref> but the Roosevelt Island Tramway continued to use tokens exclusively.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 23, 2003 |title=Roosevelt Island tram still accepts tokens |pages=9A |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-roosevelt-island-tr/135398632/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204550/https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-roosevelt-island-tr/135398632/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2003-04-272" /> RIOC bought 7,000 tokens from the MTA so passengers could continue to pay fares.<ref name="Robin 2003" /><ref name="nyt-2003-04-272">{{Cite news |last=Boland |first=Ed Jr. |date=April 27, 2003 |title=F.Y.I. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/27/nyregion/fyi-433586.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183015/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/27/nyregion/fyi-433586.html |url-status=live}}</ref> RIOC announced in January 2004 that the tramway's turnstiles would begin accepting [[MetroCard]]s.<ref name="Rayman 2004">{{cite news |last=Rayman |first=Graham |date=January 2, 2004 |title=Token Gesture Coming to End / Roosevelt Island to get MetroCard |page=A18 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-token-gesture-coming-to-end-ro/135400371/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|279735379}} |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204547/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-token-gesture-coming-to-end-ro/135400371/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The tramway switched to using MetroCards on March 1, 2004, allowing tram passengers to transfer to the subway or bus for free.<ref name="nyt-2004-03-01">{{Cite news |last=Moynihan |first=Colin |date=March 1, 2004 |title=On the Roosevelt Island Tram, Tokens Finish a Farewell Tour |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/01/nyregion/on-the-roosevelt-island-tram-tokens-finish-a-farewell-tour.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183012/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/01/nyregion/on-the-roosevelt-island-tram-tokens-finish-a-farewell-tour.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Buffalo News 2004">{{Cite news |date=March 2, 2004 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram discards subway tokens |pages=10 |work=The Buffalo News |via=newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-roosevelt-island-tram-d/135399931/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-roosevelt-island-tram-d/135399931/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 2, 2005, more than 80 people were trapped on the tram for over 90 minutes,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schapiro |first1=Rich |last2=Becker |first2=Maki |date=September 3, 2005 |title=Power Outage Leaves Tram Riders Hanging |page=15 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|305999294}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Santora |first=Marc |date=September 3, 2005 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram Stalls, Trapping 100 Riders for 2 Hours |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/03/nyregion/roosevelt-island-tram-stalls-trapping-100-riders-for-2-hours.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204551/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/03/nyregion/roosevelt-island-tram-stalls-trapping-100-riders-for-2-hours.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and an engineer had to be transported from his suburban home via helicopter to turn on a backup generator.<ref>{{cite news |last=Melago |first=Carrie |date=April 19, 2006 |title=80 Know How Tram Jam Feels |page=6 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|306009741}}}}</ref> After that incident, state inspectors issued two violations against the tramway<ref>{{cite news |last=Bruchey |first=Samuel |date=April 21, 2006 |title=Tram's air brakes to be investigated |page=A02 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|280040629}}}}</ref> and ordered RIOC to install a diesel backup or [[motor-generator]] system.<ref name="nyt-2006-04-203">{{Cite news |last=Luo |first=Michael |date=April 20, 2006 |title=Electrical and Diesel Tram Systems Fail, With Backup Electrical in California |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/20/nyregion/electrical-and-diesel-tram-systems-fail-with-backup-electrical-in.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204551/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/20/nyregion/electrical-and-diesel-tram-systems-fail-with-backup-electrical-in.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 18, 2006, at about 5:22&nbsp;p.m. EDT, the two trams stalled over the [[East River]], trapping 69 people for up to eleven hours;<ref name="nyt-2006-04-202">{{Cite news |last=Barron |first=James |date=April 20, 2006 |title=Options Were Limited After a Power Surge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/20/nyregion/options-were-limited-after-a-power-surge.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204551/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/20/nyregion/options-were-limited-after-a-power-surge.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Bruchey 2006">{{cite news |last=Bruchey |first=Samuel |date=April 20, 2006 |title=Trauma on the Tram the Investigation, Cause of Failure Up in the Air, Lack of Working Power Systems and Time Needed to Complete Commuters' Rescue Leads City and State to Open Tram Investigation |page=A05 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|280035666}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Melago |first1=Carrie |last2=Burke |first2=Kerry |last3=Yaniv |first3=Oren |date=April 19, 2006 |title=Drama's Sky-high on Tram. Cops Work Overnight to Save 69 People Stuck on Two Cars |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2006/04/19/dramas-sky-high-on-tram-cops-work-overnight-to-save-69-people-stuck-on-two-cars/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123182217/https://www.nydailynews.com/2006/04/19/dramas-sky-high-on-tram-cops-work-overnight-to-save-69-people-stuck-on-two-cars/ |url-status=live}}</ref> they had to be rescued using a crane, as well as via a cage that traveled from one terminal to the stranded cabin.<ref name="nyt-2006-04-204">{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Andrew |date=April 20, 2006 |title=Tram Rescuers Rigged 2 Untested Ways Out |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/20/nyregion/tram-rescuers-rigged-2-untested-ways-out.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204551/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/20/nyregion/tram-rescuers-rigged-2-untested-ways-out.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Both the primary and secondary power systems were not operational,<ref name="nyt-2006-04-202" /><ref name="Bruchey 2006" /> and the backup system was in California for repairs.<ref name="nyt-2006-04-203" /> The tramway was closed indefinitely, and the cabins stalled twice more the same month while RIOC officials test-ran the tramway to ascertain the cause of the breakdown.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hu |first=Winnie |date=April 28, 2006 |title=Roosevelt Island Tramway Stalls Again During Tests |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/28/nyregion/roosevelt-island-tramway-stalls-again-during-tests.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204553/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/28/nyregion/roosevelt-island-tramway-stalls-again-during-tests.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lombardi |first=Frank |date=April 28, 2006 |title=The Tram Thing Still Won't Work |page=25 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|306016514}}}}</ref> In the meantime, RIOC spent $500,000 upgrading the power systems.<ref name="nyt-2006-05-19">{{Cite news |last=Lueck |first=Thomas J. |date=May 19, 2006 |title=Tram to Get an Overhaul, and an 8-Month Break |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/19/nyregion/19tram.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204549/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/19/nyregion/19tram.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Fenner |first=Austin |date=May 19, 2006 |title=New York Minute. Tram to Stay Disabled Till September, City Sez |page=45 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|306035691}}}}</ref> By May 2006, the primary electrical system had been replaced,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Whitt |first=Toni |date=May 16, 2006 |title=New Electrical System Has Tram Working, but Not Yet Open |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/nyregion/new-electrical-system-has-tram-working-but-not-yet-open.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204550/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/nyregion/new-electrical-system-has-tram-working-but-not-yet-open.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lemire |first=Jonathan |date=May 17, 2006 |title=New York Minute. Tram's Fate Still Hangs in the Balance |page=55 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|306035039}}}}</ref> and officials wanted to reopen the tramway within three months.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lueck |first=Thomas J. |date=May 18, 2006 |title=Metro Briefing &#124; New York: Manhattan: Tram Might Be Running By Fall |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/18/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-manhattan-tram-might-be-running-by-fall.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204553/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/18/nyregion/metro-briefing-new-york-manhattan-tram-might-be-running-by-fall.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Sánchez 2006">{{Cite news |last=Sánchez |first=Ray |date=May 19, 2006 |title=Getting Up and Running |pages=A08 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-getting-up-and-running/135406873/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222605/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-getting-up-and-running/135406873/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The tram's backup electrical systems were refurbished, and each cabin was equipped with emergency supplies.<ref name="Lowe 2006">{{cite news |last=Lowe |first=Herbert |date=September 1, 2006 |title=Roosevelt Island's tram returning to the sky |page=A04 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|280084803}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last1=Kadushin |first1=Peter |last2=Singleton |first2=Don |date=September 2, 2006 |title=Dax High on Tram. Breakdown's Coolest Kid on 1st Trip – Nanny's Not |page=6 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|306078067}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Anthony |date=August 25, 2006 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram, Version 2.0, Nears Its Rollout |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/25/nyregion/25tram.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204552/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/25/nyregion/25tram.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The tramway resumed operations on September 1, 2006.<ref name="Lowe 2006" /><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=September 1, 2006 |title=Manhattan: Tram to Reopen Today |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/01/nyregion/01mbrfs-001.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204553/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/01/nyregion/01mbrfs-001.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the breakdown, officials announced that they would spend $15 million (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=15|start_year=2006|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}) on a major overhaul of the tramway in two or three years.<ref name="nyt-2006-05-19" /><ref name="Sánchez 2006" /><ref name="Lowe 2006" /> The Manhattan terminal's plaza was renovated in 2007.<ref name="New York City Department of Parks & Recreation 2007" /> By mid-2008, the renovation had increased to $25 million (equivalent to ${{inflation|index=US-GDP|value=25|start_year=2008|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation-year|index=US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|index=US-GDP}}) and was to begin the following year. Local residents were concerned about the closure because the tram was one of three ways off the island, along with the subway and the Roosevelt Island Bridge.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hernández |first=Javier C. |date=June 14, 2008 |title=What Is Life Without a Tram? Residents Are Getting a Taste |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/nyregion/14journal.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222603/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/nyregion/14journal.html?searchResultPosition=1 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2010s to present ====
[[File:RI tramhouse empty jeh.jpg|thumb|right|The Roosevelt Island terminal under renovation]]
On March 1, 2010, the tramway was closed for what was supposed to be a six-month renovation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Deutsch |first=Kevin |date=March 1, 2010 |title=Roosevelt Island residents irate over six month lag without tram to Manhattan |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2010/03/01/roosevelt-island-residents-irate-over-six-month-lag-without-tram-to-manhattan/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222603/https://www.nydailynews.com/2010/03/01/roosevelt-island-residents-irate-over-six-month-lag-without-tram-to-manhattan/ |url-status=live}}</ref> French company [[Poma]] was hired for the project,<ref name="Kaminer 2010 d436">{{cite web |last=Kaminer |first=Ariel |date=October 8, 2010 |title=Roosevelt Island's Flying Buses to Return Soon |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/nyregion/10critic.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222606/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/nyregion/10critic.html?searchResultPosition=3 |url-status=live}}</ref> which included replacing all components except for the three tower bases.<ref>{{cite news |first=Meredith |last=Traina |title=Roosevelt Island Tram Suspended For Major Modernization |url=http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-roosevelt-island-tram-shut-down,0,2280436.story |work=[[WPIX]] |date=February 28, 2010 |access-date=March 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724024021/http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-roosevelt-island-tram-shut-down,0,2280436.story |archive-date=July 24, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=February 25, 2010 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram to Shut Down for 6 Months |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/roosevelt-island-tram-to-shut-down-for-6-months/2117877/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=NBC New York |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222603/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/roosevelt-island-tram-to-shut-down-for-6-months/2117877/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The improvements included a new "dual haul" system that allowed the cabins to travel independently of each other; previously, the cabins had to be run simultaneously.<ref name="Clark 2010">{{cite news |first=Roger |last=Clark |title=Roosevelt Island Tram Shuts Down For Renovation |url=http://www.ny1.com/5-manhattan-news-content/top_stories/114428/roosevelt-island-tram-shuts-down-for-renovation |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130055817/http://www.ny1.com/5-manhattan-news-content/top_stories/114428/roosevelt-island-tram-shuts-down-for-renovation |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 30, 2013 |work=Spectrum News NY1 |date=March 1, 2010 |access-date=March 2, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kilgannon |first=Corey |date=February 27, 2010 |title=Chronicle of a Changing City |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/nyregion/28open-1.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=March 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304043530/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/nyregion/28open-1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The old cabins were to be preserved on Roosevelt Island, in a museum, or both.<ref name="Clark 2010" /> Work was delayed because of challenges in bringing a large crane to the island.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lombardi |first=Frank |date=June 5, 2010 |title=Crane Delays Tram Fix |page=12 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|357330098}}}}</ref> The cabins were attached to the cables in October 2010,<ref name="Corso 2010">{{Cite news |last1=Corso |first1=Phil |last2=Dillon |first2=Nancy |date=October 9, 2010 |title=Roosevelt I. Tram Hung Up Until Nov. |pages=14 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-i-tram-hung-up-unt/135423336/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119195728/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-roosevelt-i-tram-hung-up-unt/135423336/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=October 22, 2010 |title=Second Roosevelt Island Tram Cabin Attached To Cables |work=Spectrum News NY1 |url=http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/top_stories/127627/second-roosevelt-island-tram-cabin-attached-to-cables |url-status=dead |access-date=October 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714220656/http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/top_stories/127627/second-roosevelt-island-tram-cabin-attached-to-cables |archive-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref> and test runs began in mid-November.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spitz |first=Rebecca |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram Gets Wired Up; Undergoes Test Run |work=Spectrum News NY1 |url=http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/129481/roosevelt-island-tram-gets-wired-up--undergoes-test-run |url-status=dead |access-date=November 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125014331/http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/129481/roosevelt-island-tram-gets-wired-up--undergoes-test-run |archive-date=November 25, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Kerri |date=November 15, 2010 |title=A Test Drive on the Roosevelt Island Tram |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/a-test-drive-on-the-roosevelt-i-tram/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=City Room |language=en |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119195730/https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/a-test-drive-on-the-roosevelt-i-tram/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The tramway reopened November 30, 2010, two months later than originally planned.<ref name="Clark 2010a">{{cite web |url=http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/129776/roosevelt-island-tram-opens-after-lengthy-renovations |title=Roosevelt Island Tram Once Again Running Over The East River |work=Spectrum News NY1 |first=Roger |last=Clark |date=November 30, 2010 |access-date=November 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203022809/http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/129776/roosevelt-island-tram-opens-after-lengthy-renovations |archive-date=December 3, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Grynbaum |first=Michael M. |title=Roosevelt Island Tramway Reopens After Renovations |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=November 30, 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/01/nyregion/01tram.html |access-date=October 31, 2017 |archive-date=March 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318145742/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/01/nyregion/01tram.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The late opening was also attributed to delays in obtaining permits for construction, as well as inclement weather.<ref name="Clark 2010a" />

In the early 2010s, the [[Cornell Tech]] educational campus was planned on Roosevelt Island, and there were concerns that the tram and subway could not carry additional persons heading there.<ref name="Flegenheimer 2011 w952">{{cite web |last=Flegenheimer |first=Matt |date=December 20, 2011 |title=New Cornell Campus May Awaken Roosevelt Island |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/20/nyregion/new-cornell-campus-may-awaken-roosevelt-island.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119195730/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/20/nyregion/new-cornell-campus-may-awaken-roosevelt-island.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, engineering company GC Eng & Associates was hired to renovate the Manhattan terminal.<ref>{{cite web |last=Warerkar |first=Tanay |date=April 13, 2016 |title=The Roosevelt Island Tram Station Is Getting a Makeover |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2016/4/13/11424280/the-roosevelt-island-tram-station-getting-makeover |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118231538/https://ny.curbed.com/2016/4/13/11424280/the-roosevelt-island-tram-station-getting-makeover |url-status=live}}</ref> Repairs to both terminals' platforms began in July 2017, during which one cabin was taken out of service at all times.<ref>{{cite web |title=Roosevelt Island tram platform renovations begin this week |website=Spectrum News NY1 |date=July 24, 2017 |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/news/2017/07/24/roosevelt-island-tram-platform-renovations-begin- |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183012/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/news/2017/07/24/roosevelt-island-tram-platform-renovations-begin- |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |title=Roosevelt Island Tram reducing service during repairs |website=amNewYork |date=July 17, 2017 |url=https://www.amny.com/transit/roosevelt-island-tram-reducing-service-during-repairs-1-13806154/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183012/https://www.amny.com/transit/roosevelt-island-tram-reducing-service-during-repairs-1-13806154/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |title=Roosevelt Island Tram Repairs Start Next Week, Reducing Service to One Car |website=DNAinfo New York |date=July 17, 2017 |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170717/roosevelt-island/roosevelt-island-tram-one-car-platform-repairs/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183012/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170717/roosevelt-island/roosevelt-island-tram-one-car-platform-repairs/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Headways were increased to 15 minutes,<ref>{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=C. J. |date=October 4, 2017 |title=Roosevelt Island: Part of Manhattan, but Apart from It |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/04/realestate/living-on-roosevelt-island.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119222153/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/04/realestate/living-on-roosevelt-island.html |url-status=live}}</ref> which created severe overcrowding during rush hours.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 1, 2017 |title=Roosevelt Island Residents Say Tram Repairs Are Creating Nightmare Delays |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/roosevelt-island-tram/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=CBS New York |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183011/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/roosevelt-island-tram/ |url-status=live}}</ref> One of the cabins' gearboxes was also rebuilt in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 7, 2014 |title=Back to Full Capacity: Tram Gearbox Rebuilt |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=76&ARC=198 |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183012/https://rioc.ny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=76&ARC=198 |url-status=live}}</ref> The platform reconstruction project was finished in February 2019, at which point RIOC was in the process of installing two elevators at the Manhattan terminal to replace the original elevator.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2568/Performance-Measurement-2019 |title=Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Performance Measure Report as of March 31, 2019 |date=March 31, 2019 |publisher=[[Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation]] |page=3 |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712142022/https://rioc.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2568/Performance-Measurement-2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

With the onset of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New York City]] in 2020, ridership decreased significantly, and each cabin was limited to 24 percent its normal capacity.<ref name="Performance-Measurement-2022">{{Cite report |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5434/Performance-Measurement-Report-FY2122 |title=Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Performance Measure Report as of March 31, 2022 |date=March 31, 2022 |publisher=[[Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation]] |page=3 |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124165215/https://rioc.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5434/Performance-Measurement-Report-FY2122 |url-status=live}}</ref> The elevators at the Manhattan terminal were completed in April 2022 for $7 million.<ref name="Performance-Measurement-2022" /><ref name="bizjournals.com 2022 l311">{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Ben |date=April 13, 2022 |title=Roosevelt Island Tramway station in Manhattan gets $7 million facelift |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2022/04/13/roosevelt-island-tramway-gets-7-million-facelift.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=New York Business Journals |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325072949/https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2022/04/13/roosevelt-island-tramway-gets-7-million-facelift.html |url-status=live}}</ref> This work also included an expansion of the Manhattan terminal's platform and renovations to the plaza underneath it.<ref name="Performance-Measurement-2022" /> Installation of [[OMNY]] fare-payment readers on the Roosevelt Island Tramway was underway by mid-2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=MTA to implement new OMNY vending machines this summer |website=News 12 – The Bronx |date=April 25, 2023 |url=https://bronx.news12.com/mta-to-implement-new-omny-vending-machines-this-summer |access-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824201632/https://bronx.news12.com/mta-to-implement-new-omny-vending-machines-this-summer |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Brosnan |first=Erica |title=OMNY vending machines coming this summer, officials say |website=Spectrum News NY1 |date=April 25, 2023 |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2023/04/25/omny-vending-machines-coming-this-summer--officials-say |access-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824201632/https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2023/04/25/omny-vending-machines-coming-this-summer--officials-say |url-status=live}}</ref> On August 24, 2023, the Roosevelt Island Tramway started to accept OMNY fare payments. The launch of OMNY coincided with a long-term partial closure of the 63rd Street Line.<ref name="Spectrum News NY1 2023 a954">{{cite web |title=OMNY tap-to-pay system comes to Roosevelt Island |website=Spectrum News NY1 |date=August 25, 2023 |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/manhattan/news/2023/08/25/-omny-tap-to-pay-system-comes-to-roosevelt-island |access-date=August 25, 2023 |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825133820/https://ny1.com/nyc/manhattan/news/2023/08/25/-omny-tap-to-pay-system-comes-to-roosevelt-island |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Brachfeld 2023 q448">{{cite web |last=Brachfeld |first=Ben |title=Roosevelt Island Tram outfitted with OMNY tap-to-pay system |website=amNewYork |date=August 24, 2023 |url=https://www.amny.com/transit/roosevelt-island-tram-omny-tap-pay-system/ |access-date=August 25, 2023 |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824221702/https://www.amny.com/transit/roosevelt-island-tram-omny-tap-pay-system/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The subway line's closure created more overcrowding during late 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ahern |first=Jack |date=September 14, 2023 |title=As F Train Remains Rerouted, Bottleneck Forms at Roosevelt Island Tram |url=https://www.ourtownny.com/news/as-f-train-remains-rerouted-bottleneck-forms-at-roosevelt-island-tram-YM2709414 |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=www.ourtownny.com |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183015/https://www.ourtownny.com/news/as-f-train-remains-rerouted-bottleneck-forms-at-roosevelt-island-tram-YM2709414 |url-status=live}}</ref> By 2024, there were calls to give priority boarding to Roosevelt Island residents and employees due to increasing crowding. At the time, RIOC refused to implement a priority-boarding system, saying it violated a state law against giving "undue or unreasonable preference" to any group of riders.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kriegstein |first=Brittany |last2=Cohen |first2=Sasha Linden |date=December 3, 2024 |title=Roosevelt Islanders say their tram is overrun with tourists |url=https://gothamist.com/news/a-bad-day-at-disney-roosevelt-islanders-say-their-tram-is-overrun-with-tourists |access-date=December 3, 2024 |website=Gothamist}}</ref>

== Description ==
{{As of|2022}}, the tramway is operated by [[Leitner-Poma]] under contract to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.<ref name="Performance-Measurement-2022" /> David I. Ozerkis, chief engineer of Roosevelt Island in the 1970s, designed the Roosevelt Island Tramway.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Feiden |first=Douglas |date=September 13, 1993 |title=Construction VP builds new plan for a big REIT |magazine=Crain's New York Business |volume=9 |issue=37 |page=13 |id={{ProQuest|219142162}}}}</ref> [[Von Roll]] manufactured the tram and its equipment, and subsidiary VSL installed the equipment.<ref name="Richterman 1976" /><ref name="Lewis 1976" /><ref name="RC Publications 1976 p.">{{cite book |via=Google Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mcNUAAAAMAAJ |title=Urban Design |publisher=RC Publications |year=1976 |page=19 |language=en |issue=v. 7, no. 4 |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124165207/https://books.google.com/books?id=mcNUAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, [[Lev Zetlin]] of [[Lev Zetlin & Associates]] was the engineer for the Roosevelt Island Tramway,<ref name="RC Publications 1976 p." /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lambert |first=Bruce |date=December 5, 1992 |title=Lev Zetlin, 74, an Expert on Structural Disasters |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/05/obituaries/lev-zetlin-74-an-expert-on-structural-disasters.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526052610/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/05/obituaries/lev-zetlin-74-an-expert-on-structural-disasters.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Progressive Architecture 1976">{{cite magazine |date=Jul 1976 |title=First urban tram opens in New York |url=https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1976-07.pdf |magazine=Progressive Architecture |volume=57 |page=27 |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426083439/https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1976-07.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> and Prentice & Chan and Ohlhausen were responsible for the route's two stations.<ref name="RC Publications 1976 p." /><ref name="Progressive Architecture 1976" />

=== Route and stations ===
[[File:roosevelttramway.jpg|thumb|The Roosevelt Island Tramway's Manhattan terminal]]
The Roosevelt Island Tramway runs immediately to the north of, and parallel to, the [[Queensboro Bridge]].<ref name="RIOC tram">{{cite web |date=November 7, 2014 |title=Tram |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/302/Tram |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027122137/https://rioc.ny.gov/302/Tram |url-status=live}}</ref> This was a deliberate measure intended to prevent planes at low altitude from colliding with the tramway, as the bridge is much larger than the tramway.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=114}} Although RIOC gives the tramway's total length as {{convert|3140|ft|m}},<ref name="rioc.ny.gov">{{cite web |title=Aerial Tramway Vital Statistics |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/173/Aerial-Tramway-Vital-Statistics |access-date=July 5, 2022 |publisher=[[Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation]] |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705192206/https://rioc.ny.gov/173/Aerial-Tramway-Vital-Statistics |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PR Newswire 2010 y232">{{cite press release |title=POMA Launches New Aerial Tramway in New York City |publisher=PR Newswire |date=November 10, 2010 |id={{ProQuest|763193337}}}}</ref> other publications give slightly differing lengths, such as ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'', which in a 1976 article cited the tramway as measuring {{Convert|3094|ft}} long.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=52}} The tramway travels {{Convert|1184|ft}} over the East River's western channel. The stretch over Roosevelt Island is nearly {{Convert|300|ft}} long, while the stretch over Manhattan is more than {{Convert|1600|ft}} long.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|pages=52–53}}<!-- The exact figures in the Popular Mechanics article are cut off by the scan. -->

==== Manhattan terminal ====
The Manhattan terminal is accessed through Tramway Plaza, on the west side of Second Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tramway Plaza |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tramway-plaza |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720000907/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tramway-plaza |url-status=live}}</ref> [[MTA Regional Bus Operations]]' {{NYC bus link|M15|M15 SBS|M31|M57|Q32|Q60}}, and {{NYC bus link|Q101}} buses stop near the terminal, while the [[New York City Subway]]'s [[Lexington Avenue/59th Street station]], served by the {{NYCS trains|Lexington-59th}}, is one block west.<ref>{{Cite NYC bus map|M}}</ref>

The terminal is six stories high.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}}{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=|pages=112–114}} To avoid interfering with vehicular traffic, the Manhattan terminal is elevated;{{sfn|Alshalalfah|2014|page=5}} the platform is {{convert|18|ft}} high.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}}<ref name="Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation 1977 p. 11">{{cite magazine |via=Google Books |first=Barbara |last=Danahy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xNUvIi5pUJ0C&pg=PA11 |title=How to Cross the East River in 3 Minutes |magazine=Transportation USA |publisher=Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation |year=1977 |page=11 |volume=3 |issue=2 |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012518/https://books.google.com/books?id=xNUvIi5pUJ0C&pg=PA11 |url-status=live}}</ref> The station has two elevators,<ref name="bizjournals.com 2022 l311" /> and there is also a set of stairs.<ref name="Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation 1977 p. 11" /> Above the terminal is a concrete deck that could support a 32-story{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=114}}<ref name="Calcedo Construction Corporation q599">{{cite web |title=Manhattan-Roosevelt Island Tramway |url=https://calcedo.com/manhattan-roosevelt-island-tramway |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123231128/https://calcedo.com/manhattan-roosevelt-island-tramway |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |access-date=November 23, 2023 |website=Calcedo Construction Corporation}}</ref> or 35-story building above,<ref name="Progressive Architecture 1976" /> although such a building was never built.{{sfn|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|page=655}} This deck is supported by four steel-and-concrete columns measuring {{Convert|40|in}} thick{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=114}}{{sfn|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|page=655}} and {{Convert|40|ft}} tall.<ref name="Calcedo Construction Corporation q599" /> The eastern side of the terminal is cantilevered above the sidewalk of Second Avenue, providing space for an unexecuted widening of the avenue. The terminal's western side is also cantilevered and was intended to accommodate an unbuilt bus stop.{{sfn|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|page=655}}

==== Roosevelt Island terminal ====
The terminal on Roosevelt Island is located at 300 Main Street{{sfn|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|page=652}} and abuts the Southtown section of the island.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|278324711}} |title=It Sounds Like A Fairy Tale But it's true: There's a great new affordable-housing plan for Roosevelt Island |date=July 18, 1990 |page=52 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Sheftell |first=Jason |date=January 25, 2008 |title=Roosevelt Island. Is This the Start of a New Look for the Neighborhood? |page=4 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|306162548}}}}</ref> At the Roosevelt Island terminal, there is a transfer to the [[Roosevelt Island Red Bus|Red Bus]] route, which offers transportation around the island for free.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bashan |first=Yoni |date=April 3, 2014 |title=Save Your Change: This Ride on New York's Roosevelt Island is Free |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304441304579477862046443926.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127070618/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304441304579477862046443926 |url-status=live}}</ref> The MTA's [[Q102 (New York City bus)|Q102]] bus and the subway's [[Roosevelt Island station]] (serving the {{NYCS trains|63rd IND}}) are also near the Roosevelt Island terminal.<ref>{{Cite NYC bus map|Q}}</ref>

The Roosevelt Island terminal is at ground level.<ref name="Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation 1977 p. 11" /><ref name="Progressive Architecture 1976" /> This terminal is clad in metal and is supported by a steel superstructure. The sides of the terminal were also fitted with windows, which permitted views of machinery inside the station.<ref name="Progressive Architecture 1976" /> Within the Roosevelt Island terminal is a {{convert|2|ft|m|-thick|adj=mid}} [[shear wall]] that conceals the anchorages for the tramway's cables.<ref name="Calcedo Construction Corporation q599" />

=== Cabins ===

==== Original cabins (1976–2010) ====
The original tram cabins measured {{convert|12|by|24|ft}}.<ref name="Moritz 1976" /><ref name="Morehouse 1978" /> Each of the old cabins weighed {{Convert|18300|lb}} when empty.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=112}}<ref name="TIME.com 1976 k643">{{cite magazine |date=May 24, 1976 |title=Modern Living: The Little Apple |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,879728-2,00.html |access-date=November 24, 2023 |magazine=Time |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124184753/https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,879728-2,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The vehicles could travel at {{convert|17|mph}}{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=112}} and could fit 125 people (including one attendant),<ref name="Richterman 1976" /><ref name="nyt20080115" /> for a total capacity of 1,800 people an hour.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=16}} The original cabins were mostly [[standing-room only]] except for a few benches on the sides.<ref name="Moritz 1976a" /><ref name="Egelhof 1976">{{cite news |last=Egelhof |first=Joseph |date=May 19, 1976 |title=Whee! Oooh! What a way to commute! |page=6 |work=Chicago Tribune |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|171354444}}}}</ref> The cabins had overhead leather straps, which were refurbished in the 1990s and removed in 2010;<ref name="Haddon 2010">{{Cite news |last=Haddon |first=Heather |date=March 25, 2010 |title=No 'straps' left to hang from in city |page=21 |work=AM New York |id={{ProQuest|237701194}}}}</ref> at the time, they were the only vehicles in New York City's transit system that used straps.<ref name="Haddon 2010" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Brosh |first=Brendan |date=August 9, 2008 |title=Straps Get Scrapped. After Hanging Tough on Tram, Last of Transit Handles Set to Bite Dust |page=14 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-straps-get-scrapped/135407013/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |id={{ProQuest|306212374}} |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-straps-get-scrapped/135407013/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The bottom sections of the exteriors were composed of bulky red metal panels, while the top sections had sliding windows,<ref name="Kaminer 2010 d436" /> which wrapped around the vehicle.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=112}} The roof of each cabin had an emergency escape hatch, a vent, and an asymmetrical A-shaped arm that ran along a set of track ropes.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=112}}

Telephones in each cabin allowed operators to communicate with staff at either terminal.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}}{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=114}} Each cabin also had three separate braking systems,<ref name="Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation 1977 p. 11" /> as well as small consoles that allowed the attendants to semi-automatically control the cabins.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}}<ref name="Wiener 1983">{{Cite news |last=Wiener |first=Caryn Eve |date=August 7, 1983 |title=On the High Road |pages=4 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-on-the-high-road/135523682/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121023305/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-on-the-high-road/135523682/ |url-status=live}}</ref> There were rescue hatches on the floor of each cabin, which could be used to extricate riders if the tramway broke down over land.<ref name="Egelhof 1976" /> The old cabins were stored in the Motorgate parking garage after the 2010 renovation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sad Death Of The First Roosevelt Island Tram, 2010 |website=Roosevelt Island, New York, Daily News |last=Stone |first=David |date=December 30, 2019 |url=https://rooseveltislanddaily.news/2019/12/30/death-of-the-first-roosevelt-island-tram/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120181235/https://rooseveltislanddaily.news/2019/12/30/death-of-the-first-roosevelt-island-tram/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Current cabins (2010–present) ====
Each of the new cabins weighs {{Convert|22125|lb}} when empty.<ref name="rioc.ny.gov" /> The vehicles move at about {{cvt|17|mph}}<ref name="rioc.ny.gov" /> and have a capacity of 110 (including one attendant).<ref name="rioc.ny.gov" /><ref name="CBS New York 2010 b411">{{cite web |date=November 30, 2010 |title=State-Of-The-Art Roosevelt Island Tram Wows At Debut |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/roosevelt-island-tram-reopens-tuesday/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=CBS New York |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204551/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/roosevelt-island-tram-reopens-tuesday/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The cabins are standing-room only, except for two benches on the sides,<ref name="CBS New York 2010 b411" /> and contain metal [[grab bars]].<ref name="Haddon 2010" /> The exteriors of each vehicle have larger windows than the original cabins did.<ref name="Furse 2010">{{Cite news |last=Furse |first=Jane H. |date=November 29, 2010 |title=Tram Revamp Set to Soar to Roosevelt Is. |pages=2 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tram-revamp-set-to-soar-to-ro/135447622/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119195727/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tram-revamp-set-to-soar-to-ro/135447622/ |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The roof of each cabin has a set of two arms, which are suspended from a pair of cables;<ref name="Corso 2010" /> this allows the cars to maintain stability in windy weather.<ref name="Furse 2010" /> The cabins are also powered by their own electric engines.<ref name="PR Newswire 2010 y232" /> The vehicles' doors are automatically operated, and there are digital screens inside.<ref name="Corso 2010" /> The cabins are also equipped with wireless communications systems.<ref name="CBS New York 2010 b411" /> As a safety measure, when a cabin loses contact with the route's terminals, its braking systems stop it suddenly, which has sometimes caused the cabin to sway in midair.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=394 |title=Update on Roosevelt Island Tram Operations From Tram Operator Poma and Rioc President Haynes |date=November 7, 2014 |access-date=November 23, 2023 |website=Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110090103/https://rioc.ny.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=394 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Rescue cages ====
If the cabins were to break down over water, riders can be brought to safety via a rescue cage.<ref name="nyt-2006-04-204" /><ref name="Egelhof 1976" /> There are two rescue cages, each with a capacity of 14 passengers.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=114}} The rescue cages have their own drive systems<ref name="Moritz 1974" /> and can also be operated using a battery-powered console. During a breakdown, the cages can be attached to a set of rescue ropes on the tramway; the cages could then be brought up to the passengers, who can be evacuated through the windows of the cabins.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=114}}

=== Structures and cabling ===
[[File:Roosevelt Island Tramway 2.jpg|thumb|alt=Refer to caption|One of the support towers, which hold up the cables. The Queensboro Bridge and Manhattan skyline are visible in the background.]]
Originally, the cabins were suspended from their own pair of closely-spaced track ropes, and they were moved using a single haul cable.<ref name="Richterman 1976" /><ref name="The New York Times 1981 a897" /> The haul cable was cited as measuring {{Convert|1.625|in}} thick,<ref name="Morehouse 1978" /><ref name="New York Daily News 1978" />{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=112}}{{Efn|Another source gives a thickness of {{convert|1.75|in}}<ref name="The New York Times 1975 m754" />}} while the track cables were cited as measuring {{convert|1.8125|in|mm|1}} thick.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=112}} The haul cable was laid in a continuous loop, moving the two cabins in opposite directions at the same time.<ref name="Kaminer 2010 d436" /><ref name="Parco 2016 r111">{{cite web |last=Parco |first=Nicholas |date=May 17, 2016 |title=A look at the evolution of the Roosevelt Island tram as the celebrated sky marvel turns 40 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2016/05/17/a-look-at-the-evolution-of-the-roosevelt-island-tram-as-the-celebrated-sky-marvel-turns-40/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118231538/https://www.nydailynews.com/2016/05/17/a-look-at-the-evolution-of-the-roosevelt-island-tram-as-the-celebrated-sky-marvel-turns-40/ |url-status=live}}</ref> As such, both cabins had to depart and arrive at the station at the same time; the cabins also operated during off-peak hours even if there was a lack of demand, and the entire route had to be taken out of service if one cabin broke down.{{sfn|Alshalalfah|2014|page=6}} The track ropes were attached to anchors at the Roosevelt Island terminal and tension weights at the Manhattan terminal.<ref name="Vuchic 2007 p. 494" /> The anchors at the Roosevelt Island terminal were [[counterweight]]s that descended {{Convert|40|ft}} into the ground.<ref name="Progressive Architecture 1976" />

Following the 2010 renovation, the Roosevelt Island Tramway was rebuilt as a dual haul system,<ref name="Brown 2016" /> allowing the cabins to be operated separately from each other.<ref name="PR Newswire 2010 y232" />{{sfn|Alshalalfah|2014|page=6}} Each cabin is suspended from its own set of cables, which has a gauge of {{Convert|14|ft}}.<ref name="Kaminer 2010 d436" /><ref name="PR Newswire 2010 y232" /> The cables can carry loads of up to {{Convert|300000|lb}}, more than three times the {{Convert|80000|lb|adj=on}} weight of a fully loaded cabin.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spitz |first=Rebecca |date=September 24, 2010 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram Renovation Nearly Complete |work=Spectrum News NY1 |url=http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/126069/roosevelt-island-tram-renovation-nearly-complete/ |url-status=dead |access-date=September 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100929012621/http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/126069/roosevelt-island-tram-renovation-nearly-complete |archive-date=September 29, 2010}}</ref> A third haul cable is used to pull each of the cabins.<ref name="Yarvin 2011">{{Cite news |last=Yarvin |first=Brian |date=November 25, 2011 |title=How safe are ski lifts and cable cars, anyway? |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/how-safe-are-ski-lifts-and-cable-cars-anyway/2011/11/02/gIQAbODnvN_story.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028174237/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/how-safe-are-ski-lifts-and-cable-cars-anyway/2011/11/02/gIQAbODnvN_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Three support towers carry the cables.<ref name="The New York Times 1975 m754" /><ref name="Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation 1977 p. 11" /><ref name="RC Publications 1976 p." /> The original plans called for the cables to be supported on two towers along the south side of the Queensboro Bridge.<ref name="nyt-1973-03-30" /> The towers were moved to the north side of the bridge before construction began, and another tower was added. As built, the westernmost tower is between First and Second Avenues in Manhattan, the central tower is at York Avenue in Manhattan, and the easternmost tower is on Roosevelt Island.<ref name="The New York Times 1975 m754" /> The towers are composed of steel posts that are welded together,<ref>{{cite book |via=Google Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=coUkAQAAMAAJ |title=Welding Design & Fabrication |publisher=Industrial Publication |year=1976 |page=75 |volume=49 |issue=7–12 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119195728/https://books.google.com/books?id=coUkAQAAMAAJ |url-status=live}}</ref> and their foundations extend {{Convert|40|ft}} deep.<ref name="The New York Times 1975 m754" /> The tallest tower, that at York Avenue, is {{Convert|250|ft}} above ground.<ref name="The New York Times 1975 m754" /><ref name="Brown 2016" /> The floors of the cabins are {{Convert|135|ft}} above the East River at their lowest point.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=53}} When the system was built, a set of bars called "cabin entrance guides" was installed to prevent the cabins from hitting each station.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=112}}

=== Drive system ===
When the tramway first opened, it was equipped with main drive, auxiliary drive, and rescue drive units.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}} The haul cable was propelled by [[Drive wheel|drive bull wheels]] at the Roosevelt Island terminal,<ref name="The New York Times 1981 a897" /><ref name="Vuchic 2007 p. 494">{{cite book |last=Vuchic |first=Vukan R. |via=Google Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zFby0C3ohwQC&pg=PA494 |title=Urban Transit Systems and Technology |publisher=Wiley |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-471-75823-5 |page=494 |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012518/https://books.google.com/books?id=zFby0C3ohwQC&pg=PA494 |url-status=live}}</ref> which was operated by the main drive unit at the same location.<ref name="Vuchic 2007 p. 494" /><ref name="Popular Mechanics 2009 x927">{{cite web |date=September 30, 2009 |title=What Went Wrong: East River Rescue |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a3525/3391981/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=Popular Mechanics |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121012518/https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a3525/3391981/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The main drive unit had a motor that was cited as having either a {{Convert|1700|hp}} motor<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=John |date=February 17, 1976 |title=Aerial Tram Sails Smoothly – Except for Slight Hangup |pages=ML7 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-aerial-tram-sails-smoothly/135500949/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200457/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-aerial-tram-sails-smoothly/135500949/ |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> or a {{Convert|2000|hp}} motor.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=112}} An overload circuit could turn off the main drive unit in an emergency.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1976|page=114}} The Roosevelt Island terminal also had the rescue drive unit, which could pull a second haul cable in case of an emergency<ref name="Vuchic 2007 p. 494" /><ref name="Popular Mechanics 2009 x927" /> and could be activated within five minutes of a breakdown.<ref name="TIME.com 1976 k643" /> At the Roosevelt Island terminal was a master console, which alerted controllers to issues and could override the consoles in each cabin.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}}<ref name="Wiener 1983" /> The auxiliary drive was a [[hydrostatic drive]] that ran on diesel.<ref name="Popular Mechanics 2009 x927" />

The tramway's renovation involved replacing the main drive unit with an [[alternating current]] inverter system.<ref name="Popular Mechanics 2009 x927" /> Four backup generators were installed at each terminal behind the passenger waiting areas.<ref name="Kaminer 2010 d436" />

=== Operations ===
The tramway begins operating at 6:00&nbsp;a.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Time]] every day. The last trip is at 2:00&nbsp;a.m. on weekdays and 3:30&nbsp;a.m. on weekends.<ref name="RIOC tram" />{{Efn|On Sunday through Thursday, service ends at 2 a.m. the following day; on Friday and Saturday, service ends at 3:30 a.m. the following day.<ref name="RIOC tram" />}} The route runs on 7.5-minute headways during rush hours and weekend mornings and 15-minute headways at all other times.<ref name="RIOC tram" /> The cabins can carry a maximum of 1,200 people an hour during peak times.<ref name="Flegenheimer 2011 w952" /> The tramway generally makes about 115 trips per day.<ref name="rioc.ny.gov" /> The rides typically last three to four minutes.<ref name="CBS New York 2010 b411" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Aileen |date=November 5, 2014 |title=The Quiet Manhattan: Roosevelt Island |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/09/realestate/the-quiet-manhattan-roosevelt-island.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222605/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/09/realestate/the-quiet-manhattan-roosevelt-island.html?searchResultPosition=7 |url-status=live}}</ref> The tram is [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|wheelchair-accessible]], and bicycles are permitted in cabins.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 7, 2014 |title=Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway System Facts |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/172/Roosevelt-Island-Aerial-Tramway-System-F |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602013202/https://rioc.ny.gov/172/Roosevelt-Island-Aerial-Tramway-System-F |url-status=live}}</ref> Originally, the tramway could operate in most weather conditions, but it shut down if [[crosswind]]s exceeded either {{Convert|40|mph}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldman |first=John J. |date=February 2, 1982 |title=New York's 'Little Apple': Problems Ahead in Paradise? |pages=8 |work=Hartford Courant |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant/27298788/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121023301/https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant/27298788/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1997-03-09">{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Daniel B. |date=March 9, 1997 |title=F.Y.I. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/09/nyregion/fyi-984221.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123214257/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/09/nyregion/fyi-984221.html |url-status=live}}</ref> or {{Convert|45|mph}}.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=14}}<ref name="Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation 1977 p. 11" /><ref name="TIME.com 1976 k643" /> Thunderstorms and lightning could also shut down the route.{{sfn|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981|page=15}}<ref name="nyt-1997-03-09" /> The modern tramway shuts down if crosswinds exceed {{convert|50|mph}} or if there is lightning.<ref name="rioc.ny.gov" />

The Roosevelt Island Tramway was the only aerial commuter tram in the U.S. until 2006, when the [[Portland Aerial Tram]] opened.<ref name="nyt20080115">{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Billie |date=January 15, 2008 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/realestate/15comm.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301203622/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/realestate/15comm.html |url-status=live}}</ref> A 2005 ''New York Times'' article described the tramway as one of fewer than two dozen aerial trams in the country, as most aerial trams in the U.S. served [[ski resort]]s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lichtenstein |first=Grace |date=November 13, 2005 |title=Are Trams Going the Way of Wooden Skis? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/13/travel/are-trams-going-the-way-of-wooden-skis.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183011/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/13/travel/are-trams-going-the-way-of-wooden-skis.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The Roosevelt Island Tramway and the Portland Aerial Tram remain the only two urban gondola lines nationwide {{As of|2024|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=McManus |first=Tracey |date=January 30, 2016 |title=United States a latecomer to the notion of gondolas as transportation |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/united-states-a-latecomer-to-the-notion-of-gondolas-as-transportation/2263407/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Times |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119211357/https://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/united-states-a-latecomer-to-the-notion-of-gondolas-as-transportation/2263407/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Fares ==
[[File:New York City, 1 Aug 08 (2724404065).jpg|thumb|Turnstiles at the Roosevelt Island terminal]]
Originally, the city government received seven percent of all gross revenue from the tramway.<ref name="The New York Times 1975 m754" /> During the mid-1980s, the fare was required to be the same as that on the subways and buses, and farebox revenue was used to fund operating costs.<ref name="Moritz 1986" /> The RIOC's franchise agreement with the city mandated that, after the 63rd Street subway opened in 1989, the tramway fare be 25 cents higher than the subway fare.<ref name="nyt-1989-11-17" /><ref name="Wright 1989">{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Chapin |date=October 30, 1989 |title=For Roosevelt Island, Worst Fear Confirmed |pages=2, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-for-roosevelt-island-worst-fear/135577302/ 31] |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-for-roosevelt-island-worst-fear/135577220/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122031601/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-for-roosevelt-island-worst-fear/135577220/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The franchise agreement expired in 1995.<ref name="Miller 2017 s935" />

Children who were 5 years old or younger were allowed to ride fare-free until the 2010 closure, when RIOC stopped charging fares based on age. Ever since the tramway reopened, children under {{Convert|44|in}} have been allowed to ride fare-free regardless of their age if they are accompanied by a paying adult.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reddy |first=Sumathi |date=June 29, 2012 |title=Little Ones, the Subway and the Law |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303649504577494901612577964.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=August 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819190344/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303649504577494901612577964.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Roosevelt Island Tramway formerly issued its own [[Token coin|fare token]], with images of the Queensboro Bridge and a cabin on opposite sides.<ref name="Rayman 2004" /> Standard New York City transit tokens were used on the Roosevelt Island Tramway until 2004, when [[MetroCard]] was implemented.<ref name="nyt-2004-03-01" /><ref name="The Buffalo News 2004" /> [[OMNY]] has been accepted on the tram since August 2023.<ref name="Spectrum News NY1 2023 a954" /><ref name="Brachfeld 2023 q448" /> The fare using OMNY or pay-per-ride MetroCard is the same as that on the buses and subways, $2.90 for a one-way trip, {{as of|2023|lc=y}}.<ref name="MTA 2023 z443">{{cite web |title=MTA Announces OMNY Launched at Roosevelt Island Tramway |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |date=August 24, 2023 |url=https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-announces-omny-launched-roosevelt-island-tramway |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123053730/https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-announces-omny-launched-roosevelt-island-tramway |url-status=live}}</ref> The tramway also accepts unlimited-ride MetroCards,<ref name="MTA-Fares">{{cite web |title=Everything you need to know about fares and tolls in New York |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |date=June 16, 2022 |url=https://new.mta.info/fares |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110023816/https://new.mta.info/fares |url-status=live}}</ref> and fares paid using OMNY are capped at $34 every seven days.<ref name="MTA 2023 z443" /> Riders can transfer from the tram to buses and subway stations on either end for free, or vice versa,<ref name="New York City Transit 2020">{{Cite web |last=New York City Transit |date=October 1, 2020 |title=NYCT and MTA Bus Company tariffs |url=https://new.mta.info/document/20581 |access-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117034555/https://new.mta.info/document/20581 |url-status=live |pages=16, 35}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 7, 2014 |title=FAQs |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=179 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119211359/https://rioc.ny.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=179 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |publisher=[[Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation]]}}</ref>{{Efn|A free transfer is also provided in the reverse direction for bus and subway riders entering the tramway. However, only one free transfer is provided for each trip. For more information, see {{section link|New York City transit fares|Transfers}}.<ref name="MTA-Fares" />}} and tram riders can transfer to [[List of express bus routes in New York City|express buses]] for an extra fee.<ref name="New York City Transit 2020" />

== Ridership ==
After the tramway opened in 1976, it recorded 5,000 passengers on its first Sunday of operation<ref name="Progressive Architecture 1976" /> and attracted 10,000 daily passengers in its first few weeks.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Jonathan |date=May 17, 2016 |title=New York Today: Toasting Our Tramway |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/17/nyregion/new-york-today-toasting-a-tram-roosevelt-island-tramway-40-anniversary-instagram-accounts.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119211358/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/17/nyregion/new-york-today-toasting-a-tram-roosevelt-island-tramway-40-anniversary-instagram-accounts.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The tramway carried its one-millionth rider in March 1977<ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Martin |date=March 17, 1977 |title=Tramway's Easy Rider |pages=8 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tramways-easy-rider/135502153/ |access-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120200456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tramways-easy-rider/135502153/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and had seen 1.25 million riders, many of whom were weekend travelers, by its first anniversary.<ref name="nyt-1977-05-20" /> By 1989, just before the 63rd Street subway line began serving the island, the tramway saw 5,500 daily riders on average.<ref name="nyt-1993-12-26" /> Within a month of the subway's opening, the tram's weekly ridership declined from 35,000 to 20,000.<ref name="nyt-1989-11-17" /> Daily ridership on the tramway had decreased to 3,000 by 1993.<ref name="nyt-1993-12-26" /> The tramway carried about the same number of passengers daily in 1998, when the Roosevelt Island subway station had almost twice the ridership.<ref name="nyt-1998-01-29" />

During the [[2005 New York City transit strike]], the tramway was one of the few public transportation modes in New York City that continued to operate,<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2006 |title=The 2005 Transit Strike: Transportation Impacts and Analysis |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/transitstrike-1.pdf |access-date=October 19, 2017 |publisher=[[New York City Department of Transportation]] |page=30 |archive-date=February 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208162439/https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/transitstrike-1.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> transporting three times its typical passenger count.<ref name="Sánchez 2006" /> Daily ridership averaged between 3,500 and 4,000 around that time.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kadushin |first1=Peter |last2=Donohue |first2=Pete |date=September 9, 2006 |title=Riders: It's Tram-tastic |pages=8 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-riders-its-tram-tastic/135406959/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222606/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-riders-its-tram-tastic/135406959/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Just before the 2010s renovation began, the tramway had 2 million annual passengers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roberts |first1=Daniel |last2=McShane |first2=Larry |date=February 26, 2010 |title=Roosevelt Island tram hangs it up for 6 months, leaving locals without transportation |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2010/02/26/roosevelt-island-tram-hangs-it-up-for-6-months-leaving-locals-without-transportation/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118231539/https://www.nydailynews.com/2010/02/26/roosevelt-island-tram-hangs-it-up-for-6-months-leaving-locals-without-transportation/ |url-status=live}}</ref> After the renovation was complete, daily ridership slightly increased to 6,000,<ref name="Flegenheimer 2011 w952" /> and annual ridership was about 2.2 million.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/146/Annual-Report-PDF |title=The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Public Authority Annual Report Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012 |date=March 31, 2023 |publisher=[[Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation]] |page=17 |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325112240/https://rioc.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/146/Annual-Report-PDF |url-status=live}}</ref> By 2016, the tramway accommodated 2.5 million annual passengers,<ref name="Brown 2016" /><ref name="Parco 2016 r111" /> while RIOC estimated that between 2.6 million and 2.7 million people rode the tramway every year.<ref name="Brown 2016" /> Poma estimated that 70 percent of daily riders were residents, while the remainder were tourists.<ref name="Brown 2016" /> The route saw 2,302,511 riders in the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2020; ridership numbers during the next two years decreased amid the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. {{As of|2023|alt=During the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2023}}, the tram recorded 2,146,128 riders, having recovered much of its pre-pandemic ridership.<ref name="Performance-Measure-Report-FY2223">{{Cite report |url=https://rioc.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6263/Performance-Measure-Report-FY2223 |title=Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Performance Measure Report as of March 31, 2023 |date=March 31, 2023 |publisher=[[Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation]] |page= |pages=32–34 |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127070639/https://rioc.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6263/Performance-Measure-Report-FY2223 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Impact ==

=== Critical reception ===
[[File:New Roosevelt tram fr QBB jeh.jpg|thumb|View of one tramway cabin from the Queensboro Bridge]]
The year before the tramway opened, Michael Winkleman wrote for [[New York (magazine)|''New York'']] magazine that the tramway was "a futuristic means of travel" to a "newfangled town" in the middle of the East River, at a time when the city was [[1975 New York City fiscal crisis|nearing bankruptcy]].{{sfn|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|page=655}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Winkleman |first=Michael |date=Sep 15, 1975 |title=Cable Vision |magazine=New York Magazine |language=en |publisher=New York Media, LLC |volume=8 |pages=34–35 |issn=0028-7369}}</ref> When the Roosevelt Island Tramway opened, ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote that most Roosevelt Island residents saw the tramway positively, saying that "it has bridged their cherished moat without really destroying the insular peace and security" of the island.<ref name="nyt-1977-05-20" /> The ''Times'' described the tramway as a "cause for relief, if not rejoicing", for the island.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 23, 1976 |title=Going by Cable Car |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/23/archives/going-by-cable-car.html |access-date=November 20, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120181032/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/23/archives/going-by-cable-car.html?searchResultPosition=1 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' referred to the tramway as "Manhattan's touch of the Alps" but wrote that the tramway, as well as Roosevelt Island as a whole, was product of "too much public money [being] spent improving the lives of people who were comparatively well off".<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1976 |title=Manhattan's touch of the Alps |page=13 |work=The Guardian |id={{ProQuest|185979608}}}}</ref> The architectural critic [[Paul Goldberger]] wrote in his book ''The City Observed'' that the ride resembled a [[Disneyland]] attraction but that "there is greater pleasure still in perceiving the reality: this is not Disneyland at all—it is New York".<ref>{{cite book |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |title=The City Observed, New York: A Guide to the Architecture of Manhattan |publisher=Random House |year=1979 |isbn=978-0-394-50450-6 |series=The Visible city |page=337 |url=https://archive.org/details/cityobservednewy00gold/mode/2up |url-access=registration}}</ref>

The ride and stations were also the subject of commentary. A ''[[Newsday]]'' reporter wrote in 1976 that "there is a distinctly eerie feeling about silently gliding over traffic jams on Second Avenue".<ref name="Volkman 1976" /> The same year, a writer for ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' said that the cabin "began its stately ascent noiselessly and almost imperceptibly" and reached its destination in three and a half minutes.<ref name="TIME.com 1976 k643" /> [[Robert A. M. Stern]] called the tramway's Manhattan station "a study in exaggerated contrasts".{{sfn|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|page=655}}

By the mid-1980s, the tramway was so important to Roosevelt Island commuters, the ''New York Daily News'' wrote that "the future of this socially planned island is wound up with the fate of" the tram.<ref name="Moritz 1986" /> A ''New York Times'' article said some tramway fans called it a New York City icon like the [[Staten Island Ferry]] and [[Brooklyn Bridge]].<ref name="nyt-1989-11-17" /> A writer for ''Newsday'' wrote in 1989 that "it's as if all aboard have plunked down a subway token in exchange for a great island getaway vacation".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Steve |date=January 7, 1989 |title=Roosevelt Island |pages=21 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-roosevelt-island/135623612/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-roosevelt-island/135623612/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Goldberger wrote in 1990, "one hopes [the tram cabins] will keep going forever, since this ride over the East River is one of the great experiences of New York."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=April 8, 1990 |title=Architecture View; an Island of Idealism in a Sea of Disdain |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/08/arts/architecture-view-an-island-of-idealism-in-a-sea-of-disdain.html |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023659/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/08/arts/architecture-view-an-island-of-idealism-in-a-sea-of-disdain.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2003, a reporter for the ''[[Financial Times]]'' wrote that the tramway was a landmark in itself, where "tourists receive a perfect photo opportunity and voyeurs get a quick glance into several luxury apartments and palatial offices".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wells |first=David |date=May 17, 2003 |title=Manhattan's other isle |page=4 |work=Financial Times |id={{ProQuest|249441756}}}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' wrote in 2006 that the tramway was not only a vital mode of transport for Roosevelt Island residents, particularly students and the elderly, but also "offers a rare chance to live purely in the moment in New York, no small achievement".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunning |first=Jennifer |date=April 30, 2006 |title=Riders in the Sky |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/30/nyregion/thecity/riders-in-the-sky.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222605/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/30/nyregion/thecity/riders-in-the-sky.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Times'' attributed the tram's popularity to its relative safety and comfort, its lack of overcrowding, and the views from the cabins.<ref name="nyt20080115" /> Over the years, the tram has carried notable riders such as actor [[Harrison Ford]], tennis player [[Andre Agassi]], and actor/filmmaker [[Sylvester Stallone]].<ref name="Parco 2016 r111" /> After the tramway was renovated, a writer for ''[[The Washington Post]]'' said that the line allowed a "pretty awesome" view of the skyline.<ref name="Yarvin 2011" /> A ''[[Curbed]]'' writer said in 2017 that, though the tramway's usefulness was limited by the fact that it traveled only between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island, this was counterbalanced by its "sheer awesomeness" and the fact that it was less crowded than the subway.<ref>{{cite web |last=Plitt |first=Amy |date=September 20, 2017 |title=Roosevelt Island Tram is New York's coolest way to get around |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2017/9/20/16271924/nyc-roosevelt-island-tram-coolest-transit |access-date=November 23, 2023 |website=Curbed NY |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331152331/https://ny.curbed.com/2017/9/20/16271924/nyc-roosevelt-island-tram-coolest-transit |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Influence and media ===
The construction of the Roosevelt Island Tramway inspired plans for several similar aerial tramways in New York City. These have included an architectural firm's 2013 proposal to extend the route at either end,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Scarborough |first1=Joey |last2=Colangelo |first2=Lisa L. |date=October 10, 2013 |title=A commute with a view! Visionaries plan a Queens-to-Central Park tramway |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2013/10/10/a-commute-with-a-view-visionaries-plan-a-queens-to-central-park-tramway/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119211358/https://www.nydailynews.com/2013/10/10/a-commute-with-a-view-visionaries-plan-a-queens-to-central-park-tramway/ |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a 2014 proposal to build a set of parallel gondola lines across the East River from [[Brooklyn]] to Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 16, 2014 |title=Entrepreneur Proposes Aerial Gondolas To Bridge Brooklyn & Manhattan |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/entrepreneur-proposes-aerial-gondolas-to-bridge-brooklyn-manhattan/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |website=CBS New York |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119211358/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/entrepreneur-proposes-aerial-gondolas-to-bridge-brooklyn-manhattan/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kongfrontation]], an attraction at [[Universal Studios Florida]] that operated from 1990 to 2002,<ref>{{cite news |date=August 18, 2002 |title='New mega-attraction' kills the beast |work=The Miami Herald |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57798756/new-mega-attraction-kills-the-beast/ |access-date=August 23, 2020 |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209073833/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57798756/new-mega-attraction-kills-the-beast/ |url-status=live}}</ref> included a model of [[King Kong]] attacking a model of the Roosevelt Island Tramway.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|291175789}} |title=How King Kong Came to Life in Orlando |date=June 5, 1990 |page=14 |work=The Christian Science Monitor|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Stewart |first=Barbara |date=September 2, 1990 |title=King Kong |pages=96 |work=The Orlando Sentinel |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-king-kong/135625559/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123023632/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-king-kong/135625559/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2003-04-27">{{Cite news |last=Boland |first=Ed Jr |date=April 27, 2003 |title=F.Y.I. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/27/nyregion/fyi-433586.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118183015/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/27/nyregion/fyi-433586.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The tramway has also been used as a filming location. The 1981 film [[Nighthawks (1981 film)|''Nighthawks'']] was partially set on the tramway;<ref>{{cite web |last=Maslin |first=Janet |date=April 10, 1981 |title='Nighthawks' With Sylvester Stallone |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/04/10/movies/nighthawks-with-sylvester-stallone.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625051648/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/04/10/movies/nighthawks-with-sylvester-stallone.html |url-status=live}}</ref> many residents objected when the filming of a scene shut down the tram for a few days.<ref>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|162705130}} |title=Stallone New Film Angers Roosevelt Island Residents |last=Taylor |first=Clarke |date=March 18, 1980 |page=G6 |work=Los Angeles Times |issn=0458-3035|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Edmonds |first=Richard |date=March 18, 1980 |title=Stallone Flick Grounds Roosevelt Tram Riders |pages=4 |work=Daily News |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-stallone-flick-grounds-roosev/135521233/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121020528/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-stallone-flick-grounds-roosev/135521233/ |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |last=Smolowe |first=Jill |title=Movie to Shut Tram 3 Days |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |date=March 15, 1980 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/03/15/archives/movie-to-shut-tram-3-days.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121020526/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/03/15/archives/movie-to-shut-tram-3-days.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Other films that have used the tramway as a setting include Léon: The Professional (1994),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mukhopadhyay |first=Arka |date=2021-10-02 |title=Where Was Léon: The Professional Filmed? |url=https://thecinemaholic.com/where-was-leon-the-professional-filmed/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=The Cinemaholic |language=en-US}}</ref> Sam Raimi's ''[[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]'' (2002)<ref name="nyt-2003-04-27" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=John |date=May 3, 2002 |title='Spider-Man' Is Just Marvel-ous / A fun spin on action, humor, romance |page=B11 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279530720}}}}</ref> and [[Dark Water (2005 film)|''Dark Water'']] (2005), directed by Walter Salles, the latter of which was filmed on the route.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gill |first=John Freeman |date=July 17, 2005 |title=... And on Roosevelt Island, Being Afraid, Really Afraid |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/17/nyregion/thecity/and-on-roosevelt-island-being-afraid-really-afraid.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118222603/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/17/nyregion/thecity/and-on-roosevelt-island-being-afraid-really-afraid.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, the tramway was shown in the opening credits of the TV series ''[[Head of the Class]]''<ref name="nyt-1990-04-08" /> and ''[[Archie Bunker's Place]]'',<ref name="Newsday 1986" /> as well as a 2004 episode of ''[[Fear Factor]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Randy |date=July 11, 2004 |title=A New York 'Fear Factor'? Try That Last Hot Dog |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/11/nyregion/a-new-york-fear-factor-try-that-last-hot-dog.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204551/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/11/nyregion/a-new-york-fear-factor-try-that-last-hot-dog.html |url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Hatty |first=Michele |date=November 7, 2004 |title=Is Fear a Factor? |pages=204 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-is-fear-a-factor/135396915/ |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118204551/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-is-fear-a-factor/135396915/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== See also ==
* [[List of aerial tramways]]
* [[Lists of crossings of the East River]]
* [[Transportation in New York City]]

== References ==

=== Notes ===
{{Notelist}}

=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===
* {{cite magazine |date=July 1976 |title=Airborne Commuters Take a Disneyland Ride to Work |url=https://archive.org/details/PopularMechanics1976/Popular%20Mechanics-07-1976/page/n51/mode/2up |magazine=Popular Mechanics |volume=146 |pages=52–53, 112, 114 |ref={{sfnref|Popular Mechanics|1976}} |via=Internet Archive}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Alshalalfah |first1=Baha |last2=Shalaby |first2=Amer |last3=Dale |first3=Steven |date=Mar 2014 |title=Experiences with Aerial Ropeway Transportation Systems in the Urban Environment |url=https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%2528ASCE%2529UP.1943-5444.0000158 |journal=Journal of Urban Planning and Development |language=en |volume=140 |issue=1 |doi=10.1061/(ASCE)UP.1943-5444.0000158 |issn=0733-9488 |ref={{sfnref|Alshalalfah|2014}} |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618172822/http://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/(ASCE)UP.1943-5444.0000158 |url-status=live|url-access=subscription }}
* {{cite NY1960}}
* {{cite book |via=Google Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-kuko8E2_LwC |title=Transit Technology Evaluation: A Literature Capsule |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation, Urban Mass Transportation Administration |year=1981 |page= |language=en |ref={{sfnref|U.S. Department of Transportation|1981}} |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124165206/https://books.google.com/books?id=-kuko8E2_LwC |url-status=live}}

== External links ==
{{Commons and category|Roosevelt Island Tramway|Roosevelt Island Tramway}}
{{external media
|image1=[http://www.google.com/maps/@40.7612734,-73.9638619,3a,75y,275.33h,90.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8aaEtAEwYDS6R_27vV_jXA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 Manhattan entrance (Second Avenue and 60th Street) on Google Maps Street View]
|image2=[http://www.google.com/maps/@40.7609863,-73.9637909,3a,75y,269.81h,93.41t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-_7jhA7Ll9qU%2FV4baY-IpLgI%2FAAAAAAAAJmw%2Fk2xxtDaSzGwi2Doms_rRMlBvY5jClYE1ACLIB!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2F-_7jhA7Ll9qU%2FV4baY-IpLgI%2FAAAAAAAAJmw%2Fk2xxtDaSzGwi2Doms_rRMlBvY5jClYE1ACLIB%2Fw203-h100-p-k-no%2F!7i9728!8i4864!4m3!8m2!3m1!1e1!6m1!1e1 Manhattan station inside from Google Maps Street View]
|image3=[https://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.757571,-73.954167&spn=0.003844,0.013679&z=17&layer=c&cbll=40.757538,-73.954069&panoid=yepcRJ2qijn9YdpQNVGHhA&cbp=12,167.19,,0,2.32 Roosevelt Island entrance from Google Maps Street View]
|image4=[https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7611977,-73.9642079,3a,75y,35.8h,74.31t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-EbTXvvjw5UA%2FWEZz8-6jdDI%2FAAAAAAADT74%2Ft1qq6y7cEUQfYvirvivTExUhyD_cfSDPQCLIB!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2F-EbTXvvjw5UA%2FWEZz8-6jdDI%2FAAAAAAADT74%2Ft1qq6y7cEUQfYvirvivTExUhyD_cfSDPQCLIB%2Fw234-h106-k-no-pi-0-ya208.5-ro0-fo100%2F!7i5660!8i2830!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x89c258fb961df7ab:0xd0fb832794a84a83!2s5+Av%2F53+St!8m2!3d40.7602094!4d-73.9755399!3m4!1s0x89c258e6147c9dd7:0x4e38b1b472f5e59a!8m2!3d40.7611973!4d-73.9642082!6m1!1e1?hl=en Car interior from Google Maps Street View]
}}
* {{official website|https://rioc.ny.gov/302/Tram}}

{{Roosevelt Island}}
{{Transportation in New York City|state=autocollapse}}
{{United States aerial tramways}}
{{Crossings navbox
| structure = Crossings
| place = [[East River]]
| bridge = Roosevelt Island Tramway
| bridge signs =
| upstream = [[63rd Street Tunnel]]
| upstream signs = {{NYCS 63rd IND|time=bullets}}
| downstream = [[60th Street Tunnel]]
| downstream signs = {{NYCS Broadway 60th|time=bullets}}
}}

[[Category:1976 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:Aerial tramways in the United States]]
[[Category:East River]]
[[Category:Public transportation in New York City]]
[[Category:Roosevelt Island]]