Assembly Resolution No. 1465

BY: M. of A. Seawright

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the
Roosevelt Island Tramway

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support the
preservation and commemoration of historical landmarks which express and
preserve the social and cultural origins of this great State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the 50th Anniversary of the Roosevelt Island Tramway on May
17th, 2026; and

WHEREAS, In September of 1971, Manhattan Community Board 8 proposed
an aerial tramway to run between the Motorgate parking garage on
Roosevelt Island and 72nd Street on the Upper East Side; and,

WHEREAS, On May 17th, 1976, the Roosevelt Island Tramway became the
first commuter aerial tramway operating in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Prior to the operation of the Tramway, Roosevelt Island was
only accessible through the Roosevelt Island Bridge from Queens, New
York; and

WHEREAS, The Roosevelt Island Tramway was rebuilt and renovated in
the 2010's to provide for upgrades and faster service; and

WHEREAS, The Roosevelt Island Tramway one of twenty operational
aerial tramways within the United States and the only mass transit
aerial tramway dedicated to commuter use; and

WHEREAS, The Roosevelt Island Tramway has seen rapidly increasing
ridership, serving anywhere between 5,500 and 6,500 passengers per day
and around 2.7 million passengers per year, making it the busiest aerial
tramway in North America; and

WHEREAS, The trip across the East River takes approximately 3 to 4
minutes and travels 3,140 feet that provides a 360-degree view of New
York City; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt Island Tramway and
celebrate its remarkable history; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Roosevelt Island Historical Society and the Roosevelt
Island Operating Corporation.