Trudy
Every time I turn around, I learn or experience something new to add some kind of joy to my life. It’s my life’s motto actually. And isn’t that super in a city like New York where that can happen literally every day? This time out my new experience was riding the Roosevelt Island Tram. My trip was back in late April after I went to the Hanami viewing on Roosevelt Island. You can see that post here. I took the F train coming to the island but I decided to take the scenic view back towards Manhattan.
What’s So Special About The Roosevelt Island Tram?
One thing that makes this tram special, is that it is the only one in the city. And although we have lots of ferries, trains, and buses, seeing the city from an elevation makes it a singular experience. Roosevelt Island isn’t populated by a relatively large number of people so it doesn’t get much attention by the majority of New York residents. It is a living museum going back to the times when there were quarantines and prisons secluded to the island. So there is not a lot of commercial development there. And lastly, at least for me, it is out of the way without much car traffic, which makes it a quiet place to have a day trip. It makes Roosevelt Island a destination for people who don’t live there. Photographers love to go there for its picturesque scenery, especially for the occurrence of Manhattanhenge. I’ve discovered lots of lovely shots this year.
What Is the History of the Roosevelt Island Tram?
The tram has been in operation since July 1976 after the trolley system was permanently removed from the island. And has been in operation ever since except for the renovation process in 2010 and repairs that led to that renovation. It was built as a temporary way to get back and forth until the subway station to the island was finished but kept after its completion because of its charm. It costs the same as a subway ride and although still privately owned, it accepts MetroCards, making it a picturesque and convenient trip.
What Do I Think Of The Roosevelt Island Tram?
The trip is really quick and didn’t give me much time to take pictures. Also, the island was very crowded so the tram was like a can of warm sardines. Although I did take video but because of the crowds, I have a lot of scenes with the top of children’s heads. I mean, I tried. Riding the tram was great, especially because I took a step towards challenging my fear of heights. The height off the ground made me look at skyscraping towers and the beauty of the Queens bridge in a new way which I loved.
Have you ever been on the Roosevelt Island Tram? Or any tram? Tell me your opinion on it in the comments below. I’m waiting to read all about it. In the meantime, you can also keep up with me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. And pin for later!
Until our next rendezvous….
XOXO
Trudy
I’ve ridden it several times over the years. It is really quick ride so unless you luck out in the middle of the day, it tends to be crowded, even more so now I’m guessing since they are doing another round of repairs and it only goes one direction at a time. Ironically though, my commute now takes me over to Roosevelt every day. My job moved locations in Brooklyn so I take the F, and the nicest (but longer) way for me to get the F is to walk over to Roosevelt every day! The bridge to get on the island is around the corner from me. What you say about the island is very true, I enjoy walking over there, and now the first three buildings for the Cornell campus are up and running, which are an added architectural bonus to the island now with lots of open space to hang out in.
Trudy. You need to go back to Roosevelt Island to take pics. Oddly, in all my years of living in Manhattan, I’ve never been on the RI tram. Never. It’s one of those things I always MEANT to do and just never got around to it. Now I’m wondering what the cost of real estate is on Roosevelt Island. This post was great!!!
Aaw, thank you so much, Mrs. Lartigue. (Congrats again) These are actually my photos but I can add the ones I took in the park and of Manhattan to my Instagram feed. Like I mentioned the photos in the tram weren’t very good because the tram was really crowded. I’ll ve back though.
I didn’t know you were afraid of heights, Trudy, because I am too! I’ve taken some trams in my travels over the years and some are definitely more scary than others. I might try to conquer this one someday. (And can totally relate about pics with heads in them! Part of the daily life of a shorty.) ?
Hahahahahahaha! ? Well every six foot tall man on the island was in the tram that day. And I was squished in between baby carriages. I used this trip to try to conquer my fear a little bit. I tried to focus on other things going on around me during the ride. It was over quickly and I got toi familiar with a 12 yr old and two short women whose faces were in my boobs.
Add this to my list of “Touring NYC with Trudy” when the day comes. It might take a month for you to get everything in that I want to see, I’ll give you two days notice when I get there!
You’re so sweet, Gary! I’ll be up for the job of tour guide, you’ll be navigating the subway in no time.
I’ve never been on a tram, but this sounds pretty cool! I have a minor fear of heights, but only when I’m unsecured (i.e. planes, and I don’t think trams would, bother me, but things like zip-lining terrify me (although I have done it!).
How was ziplining? I’d love to test myself with that.
It is SO fun, once you work up the courage to jump. At every ledge, I did a countdown that went something like, “Ok.. 3.. 2.. 1.. sh**! Ahhh!” Totally worth it though!
I’ve seen this tram but have never actually taken it! Looks like it would be a scenic view. I’ll have to try it next time I’m up in New York 🙂
Yes please do. The ride is over in a flash and that is the only downside to it. Oh and if it is the weekend it will be crowded.
What a fun thing this would be! Sort of. LOL Want to do it!
It was fun! Hahaha
I remember riding the tram in Paris and it feeling quite claustrophobic while the weighted cart made its way up what seemed like a tiny cable. I’m not one to normally be scared of heights but I do have to admit I definitely had to talk myself down through the entire experience. ? How fun, I can’t believe all of NYC has only one, how fascinating!
I think that it’s the place close enough distance wise to have one, especially with the transit system.
This is really good to know, as it’s been on my list to do in New York! So overall, crowds and everything you’d say it’s worth doing?
The crowds were because of the festival, not a normal occurrence. So it was definitely worth it.
I am afraid of heights as well, but keep trying to push the ticket. As long as I’m not looking straight down, I might be ok!
I looked across the horizon and it helped.
When I first saw this, I am like, hey that is from Spiderman. In any case, this is on my list as well!