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Roosevelt Island Tram

The Roosevelt Island Tramway was built in 1976 as a temporary means for shuttling commuters from the then-new Roosevelt Island development into Manhattan. It was intended as a temporary measure until the completion of the subway line, but extensive delays in the construction of the tunnel coupled with great popularity of the tram among island residents has kept it around.

The tram was designed by Prentice & Chan and Ohlhausen and built by the Swiss company Vonroll. It is the only commuter cable car in North America. Cars can hold a maximum of 125 people and the 3,100-foot ride takes about four and a half minutes. The car rises to a maximum height of 250 feet, giving lovely views of both Roosevelt Island and Manhattan. (reference)

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