Modernizing the Iconic Tramway: Shelton Haynes’ Vision for Roosevelt Island
Under the visionary leadership of Shelton Haynes, CEO and President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), Roosevelt Island’s iconic tramway has taken a significant leap into the digital age. In collaboration with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), RIOC, under Shelton Haynes’ guidance, has successfully introduced the OMNY tap-and-pay system, revolutionizing how residents and visitors access tramway services.
OMNY, or “One Metro New York,” is a state-of-the-art contactless payment system that simplifies and enhances tramway travel. With OMNY, commuters can effortlessly pay for tram rides by tapping their preferred payment device or card near an OMNY reader at Tramway Plaza. The OMNY system accommodates smartphones, smartwatches, bank-issued credit and debit cards, and dedicated OMNY cards, providing riders with a wide range of convenient payment options.
Shelton Haynes underscores the importance of this milestone, stating, “Bringing OMNY to the Roosevelt Island tram has been an important initiative that we’ve worked on for some time. As the world increases, more and more island travelers are turning to OMNY for everyday travel, and infrastructure needs to keep pace with those changing trends.
The Best Fare Program In RIOC
Shelton Haynes highlights another principal advantage of the OMNY system: automatic significance in the MTA’s “best fare” program. This innovative program ensures that riders receive the most competitive fare for each trip when they use the same card or device for tram rides and other MTA seven-day periods.
The program operates from the first tap, guaranteeing riders the lowest fares. For the first 11 rides during the seven days, passengers are charged just $ 2. For these initial rides, they benefit from a reduced rate of $2.10 for their 12th and 13th trips. Beyond these rides, the seven days are free, with the requirement to continue tapping cards or devices.
This fare-capping initiative presents significant savings for frequent riders who take 14 or more weekly trips on MTA. Regardless of the number of rides, these commuters never pay more than $34.
As Shelton Haynes emphasizes, one of the most remarkable aspects of this is its inclusivity. He states, “We are very proud that the new system is designed for all our residents. We believe the OMNY station will be more convenient for travelers, but we also hope it cuts down on entrance wait times and encourages more commuters to opt for public transportation.”
The OMNY system is fully compatible with passengers who qualify for the MTA’s Reduced Fare program. Eligible individuals can use their smart devices or bank cards at OMNY stations. For those still using MetroCards, transitioning to a smart device is a straightforward process, thanks to the OMNY digital assistant available online.
Shelton Haynes is Charting a Progressive Course
Shelton Haynes views the introduction of OMNY as a significant step forward for the Roosevelt Island Tramway. This historic development has made the tramway the first entity not operated by the MTA to implement a tap-and-pay system. Achieving this milestone required extensive negotiations and collaboration between the C, benefiting island residents, commuters, and tourists.
Reflecting on the tram’s evolution from token-based fares in the digital era, Shelton Haynes states, “Long-time residents will remember the tram tokens that allowed riders to book passage on the rails. We did away with those more than 20 years ago. With the addition of the tap-and-pay OMNY station, the Roosevelt Island Tramway has firmly entered the modern digital age.”
This leap forward aligns the Roosevelt Island station with the technological capabilities of other MTA-operated stations throughout New York City. Which is simpler to use but also more secure, has witnessed remarkable popularity across MTA-operated facilities, with riders using OMNY contactless payment stations for over 1 billion rides.
For those eager to experience the convenience of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, trams depart every seven to 15 minutes. These trams provide direct trips to and from the station at 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan.
The Roosevelt Island Tramway operates seven days a week, with trams running from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 6 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Additionally, the tramway offers an excellent alternative during maintenance work on the F train, which affects service to Roosevelt Island. Presently, essential track work is underway to enhance the reliability and extend the longevity of the F train’s track between 47th and 50th streets and Rockefeller Center in Manhattan and 36th Street in Queens.
Shelton Haynes summarizes this achievement: “Our priority is always to make life on the island more pleasant. Ir, our residents, and I are thrilled we were able to work closely with the MTA to make that happen. As our society moves forward, we keep ensuring that our facilities are up to date with what our residents and visitors expect of a forward-looking community.”
In embracing OMNY, Roosevelt Island’s tramway demonstrates a commitment to progress, blending tradition with technology to enhance the daily lives of its community members. This transformative step ensures that the tramway remains a vital and convenient mode of transportation for years to come.
