From The Peopling of New York City

There is actually no way to drive to Roosevelt Island from Manhattan. There is a bridge from Manhattan to Queens that goes over Roosevelt Island and has the pillars that support it on Roosevelt Island, but there is a bridge from Queens to Roosevelt Island. So in order to drive from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, Queens must be used as a middle man. One of the most popular ways to travel between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan, however, is via the tram,
The Iconic Tramway
built in 1976, and operated by the Roosevelt Island Operating Commission (RIOC). The fare for the tram is $2.00 and can be paid for using a MetroCard. The ride affords stunning views of Manhattan and Queens, and has become a popular, iconic attraction in New York City.
One of the RIOC buses running along Main St.
Subway service, provided by the F line, also provides a direct link for the island to both Manhattan and Queens. The Roosevelt Island Station opened on October 29, 1989. However, before 2001, the next and final stop was the 21st Street - Queensbridge Station, and this route was dubbed the "Tunnel to Nowhere." In 2001, completion of the tunnels connecting 21st Street - Queensbridge with the rest of Queens was completed. With the tunnel's completion, Roosevelt Island finally got direct connection with both Manhatten and Queens. Once on the island itself, transportation is provided by the RIOC through a bus service. The easily spotted red busses cost only 25 cents to ride, and operate continuously in order to coincide with the tram schedule.

History of Roosevelt Island Transportation[1]

1955 Roosevelt Island Bridge, then known as the Welfare Island Bridge opens. The bridge connects the Island to Queens via 36th Avenue in Long Island City. Previously, pedestrians and vehicles were transferred to the Island by an elevator located midway on the Queensboro Bridge. The elevator was closed down and finally demolished in 1970.

1976 The Tram opens as a temporary measure until the subway is completed. This Swiss-made bright red gondola is the only one in North America used for mass transit.

1976 Red Bus service provided to Island residents free of charge.

1976 The Q102 bus of the Queens Surface Transportation begins service to Roosevelt Island. New York City buses have been serving the Island since the 1950's.

1989 The long awaited Roosevelt Island subway station opens. The train connects the Island to Brooklyn, Manhattan and 21st Street in Long Island City.

1990 Free service of the Red bus ends, with a 10 cent fare imposed.

1994 The Red Bus fare increases to 25 cents.

1996 The Tram fare is raised from $1.40 to $1.50.

2003 The Tram fare is raised from $1.50 to $2.00.

2004 The Metrocard is introduced for Tram usage.

Watch a ride on the Roosevelt Island tram back to Manhattan!

Notes

  1. ↑ [1] Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

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