Roosevelt Island residents, workers want priority line for tram

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Dealing with crowds is part of the commute in New York City.

But some regular riders of the Roosevelt Island Tramway say their trip home has become extra busy with tourists. 

The aerial tramway is a popular destination to take in skyline and river views. But residents of Roosevelt Island are making their case for some changes. 

A group distributed flyers and spoke to riders on Thursday. They are asking for a priority line for residents and workers on the island. 

Some people also addressed the metering of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, a state entity that manages the island and tram. 

"It's not orderly. People don’t move in and there’s no signage or any type of support to manage the platform," Amy Namdar said.

Some tourists said they understood the local plea. 

Paul Krikler welcomes the visitors and says the service issue should be addressed by the agency. 

"A lot of people take it. But with kids or mobility issues, now they just don’t take it anymore," Krikler said.

It carries a maximum of 109 passengers and an attendant. Yearly ridership is in the millions and has been growing with new attractions on the island. 

A spokesperson for the island said the agency believes a separate line would be against state law regarding transit carriers.

Neighbors disagree and quote the law as prohibiting "undo or unreasonable preference."

The tram isn’t an MTA system. The F train subway stop didn’t arrive until 1989. The tram first started running in 1976 when residential housing was developed on the island.