Ask a San Franciscan if they think their cable car system should be shut down and, odds are, you
will receive a resounding no. If you were to suggest closing the Roosevelt Island Tramway to a New Yorker,
the response might be a little different. Yet both are active, famous and culturally significant transportation
systems -- with one big difference: the cable cars are a Landmark and the Tram is not: a fact that the Save
the Tram Committee -- with your help -- hopes to change.
The Tram, as the locals call it, is the only commuter aerial tramway in North America. Over 26 million passengers
have used the tram since it began operation in 1976.
During the 2005 New York Transit Strike, the Tramway was one of the few intra-city public transportation systems still in operation.
On April 18, 2006, two trams were stuck over the East River for seven hours because of mechanical problems,
trapping 69 people. This was the second time in eight months the Tram system lost power. The Tramway
suspended operations after the April 2006 incident, re-opening on September 1, 2006. The Tram's backup
electrical systems were finally refurbished.
After these incidents, some called for the permanent closing of the Tram. This extreme action would destroy a
New York City institution, and kill a living icon.
To preserve the tram, as a symbol of the great city of New York, and as a vital lifeline connecting the people of
Roosevelt Island to Manhattan, help us make it a NYC landmark.
The Tram fits all of the requirements to become an official landmark. At this stage, we need as many people to
sign a petition. Click here to add you name to the petition.
Once enough signatures are collected, the appropriate paperwork must be filed and an evaluation completed by the
Landmarks Preservation Committee. Then, after a successful review, public hearing and various votes, the nomination
will head to a City Council for the final decision.
As a National Historic Landmark, the Tram’s future will be protected by the National Parks Service. In addition, as a
Landmark the Tram would be eligible for special Federal grants.
Once the signatures are collected, the Save the Tram Committee and the Community Board 8 Landmark Commission
will present their case to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, an 11 member group appointed by
the Mayor. If it is approved by the Commission, it then goes to the City Council for final approval.
The Save the Tram Committee has enlisted the aid of Jessica Lappin, City Council Member, and Scott Stringer,
Manhattan Borough President, to work with the Community Board 8 Landmark Commission on their presentation.
To show your support for making the Tram a National Historic Landmark,
click here and sign the Save the Tram Committee petition.
As one Roosevelt Island resident said, “The tramway actually makes us part of Manhattan. If we don't have the tramway
we are disenfranchised from Manhattan, of which we are a part." Click here to help.
