Roosevelt Island Tram Welcomes Subway Voice

The Roosevelt Island Tram has recently introduced a new voice for its announcements, featuring Charlie Pellett, known for his iconic “stand clear of the closing doors, please” message on the subway. This change comes after the installation of a new sound system aimed at improving communication for passengers traveling 250 feet above the East River. The initiative was spearheaded by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), which manages the island's transportation services.

New York Times

The decision to employ Pellett's voice was influenced by feedback regarding the tram's previous announcement system, which struggled to be heard over the noise within the cabins. Bryant Daniels, an assistant vice president at RIOC, emphasized the importance of clear messaging, particularly for priority seating designated for elderly and disabled passengers. The tram's previous announcements were made by an employee of the operating company, but the idea to bring in Pellett emerged from a community suggestion shared in a WhatsApp group.

New York Times

The transition to Pellett's voice was met with enthusiasm from the Roosevelt Island community. Dan Schwartzman, a local news anchor who facilitated the connection with Pellett, noted the positive reception of the change. The community's desire for a recognizable voice reflects a broader trend of enhancing public transportation experiences through familiar and comforting elements.

New York Times

RIOC's Bryant Daniels stated, “The cabins can get loud, and we wanted to ensure riders could clearly hear our messages.” This sentiment underscores the agency's commitment to passenger safety and comfort. The incorporation of Pellett's voice is seen as a step towards improving the overall experience for tram riders.

New York Times

While the change has been largely welcomed, some residents have expressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of the new sound system. Questions have been raised about whether the enhancements will sufficiently address the noise issues that previously hindered communication. Critics argue that without further improvements, the intended benefits may not be fully realized.

New York Times

As the Roosevelt Island Tram continues to adapt to passenger needs, further evaluations of the sound system's effectiveness are anticipated. RIOC may consider additional enhancements based on community feedback and operational assessments to ensure that the tram remains a safe and enjoyable mode of transportation for all riders.

New York Times

• “And we wanted to ensure riders could clearly hear our messages about priority seating for elderly and disabled passengers,” — Bryant Daniels, Assistant Vice President, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

New York Times

• “it would be great if we had the ‘stand clear of the closing doors’ guy,” — Dan Schwartzman, News Anchor, Bloomberg

New York Times