Roosevelt Island Tram To Reopen Tuesday Morning
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- After a nine month overhaul, the Roosevelt Island tram will be back in business Tuesday.
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond got a first-hand preview of the familiar red cars zipping over the East River once again.
Podcast
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond gets a closer look at the new and improved Roosevelt Trams.
Project manager Rick Spier explained that the windows on the cabins are much larger than the old ones, giving riders a better look at the breathtaking view on the 3-minute ride.
Spier also said the cabins would be "more comfortable inside."
With the exception of the towers, everything about the tram is new. The cables have also been set wider for a very good reason.
"So when the wind blows, as it does, down the East River...the cabin will be much more stable," Spier explained.
Spier said with electrical and mechanical back-ups, mid-air issues like one that stranded 69 people for hours in 2006 will be nearly impossible.
"I can't imagine why it would get caught over the river -- I just can't imagine," Spier said.
Just in case there is a problem, the new design will allow the cars to run on separate tracks so one can function if the other breaks down.
