New York Discount Car Rental and Roosevelt Island Tram

Roosevelt Island Tram

Regional Information

Theatre and Art

Born in 1976 as a means of transportation between Manhattan and the East Rivers Roosevelt Island, the Roosevelt Island Tramway is the only functional commuter tram currently left in North America. Created out of frustrations with the New York City Transit Authority (who had made numerous unsuccessful attempts to connect the island to both Manhattan and Queens via subway), the Roosevelt Island Tram has serviced well over 20 million New York City car rental tourists during the past 30 years. Originally constructed as a temporary fix for gridlocked traffic on the Queensborough Bridge (commuters were originally forced to take an elevator from the bridge down to the Island!), the tramway became a permanent fixture by 1980. The tramway, which is now operated by the RIOC is a definite must-see for New York City car rental customers of all ages. Capable of holding upwards of 125 passengers, the Roosevelt Island Tramway provides stunning views of the surrounding New York City skyline as well as the adjacent Queensborough Bridge and Long Island.

An Interesting Twist to Traditional Sightseeing

If youre looking to do some sightseeing during your upcoming New York City car rental vacation, look no further than the historic Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Manhattans 2nd Avenue to the islands Main Street. Designed to be both functional and fantastic, the Roosevelt Island Tram is capable of seating just 10 passengers (the other 115 are provided with sturdy rings, poles and bars for support). Traveling speeds in the commuter car can reach approximately 16 miles per hour, covering the commuter cables 3,100 feet in fewer than 4 and minutes. A quick and convenient way to get on and off the island, the Roosevelt Island Tram begins its journey at the elevated station on 2nd Avenue and 60th Street and completes its rounds at the Roosevelt Island Station. The tour, which reaches a maximum height of 150 feet, provides New York City car rental travelers with tons of fantastic photo opportunities as well as some scary situations Action New York City car rental customers often remark that the descent into the 2nd Avenue station places the tram in almost direct contact with passing traffic (dont worry; its just a visual illusion!).

Historical Facts

1955: The Roosevelt Island Bridge, better known as the Welfare Island Bridge is opened as sole connector between the island and Queens. Up until now pedestrians and New York City car rental customers wishing to access the island were transferred to the island via the Queensborough Bridge Elevator. The elevator was later closed down and demolished in 1970.
1976: The Roosevelt Island Tram opens temporarily. The bright red elevated gondola would quickly become a citywide attraction. A free bus service is also provided to all Roosevelt Island residents.
1989: The long await Q Subway station finally opens, connecting Brooklyn, Manhattan and 21st Street in Long Island. Tram operators are surprised to find that passengers still enjoyed traveling the tramway.
1990: Free bus service ends for all Roosevelt Island residents a fare of 10 cents is instigated.
2003: The tramway, which is now recognized as a national treasure, raises their fee to $2.

Whether you actually need to get to Roosevelt Island, or are just looking for an excuse to see the New York City skyline for a different angle, the Roosevelt Island Tram is a unique way to kick off or complete practically any New York City car rental vacation. If youre interested in riding the Roosevelt Island Tram during your upcoming Action New York City vacation please stop by the official TramPlaza at 2nd Avenue. More information can also be found on the official Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation website at www.rioc.com.

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