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As you know, the Roosevelt Island Tram carries passengers from the station on Roosevelt Island to a station on Manhattan Island.  Under normal operation, the two 125-passenger cabins complete their trip to the opposite station in about three-and-a-half minutes. In the event that the Tram should refrain from traveling across, there are several functions the Tram Operations crew can perform to repair it.  In the unlikely event that the Tram cannot be repaired, an Evacuation Plan for the safe evacuation of the passengers is necessary.  Should this occur, the Department of Public Safety will call upon the assistance of the Fire Department (FDNY), Police Department (NYPD) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).  Together, under joint command, the safe evacuation of the passengers aboard will be accomplished. On Sunday, April 13, 2008, the above named agencies along with Tram personnel, took part in an Evacuation Drill.  The day began with prep work.  Tram personnel began training in the cabins.  Members from the Baldwin Fire Department were on hand providing Fire Extinguisher Training to the members of Public Safety.  After meet & greets with NYPD, OEM & FDNY, Public Safety officers took their posts and the Tram drill was underway.  In Part 1 of the Drill, Tram Extrication provided those daring to volunteer an opportunity to zip down from the Tram in a full-body Safety Bucket.  In Part 2 of the Drill, Tram Evacuation provided those willing to remain stuck in the air, to be rescued by the FDNY Rescue Unit via a Rescue Cabin.   Due to Public Safety’s Traffic Control, Emergency vehicles were able to expeditiously respond across Main St. throughout the drill.   A Debriefing was held at the conclusion of the drill and positive comments were in abundance.  All in all, the drill was extremely successful.  I would like to extend my personal thanks to the members of the NYPD, FDNY, OEM, Baldwin Fire Department and of course the members of the Public Safety Department for a quality drill and cohesive “Job Well Done”.  The residents of the island should remain confident that in the event of an emergency, the joint efforts of quality agencies will see them through safely.   Keith Guerra Director of Public Safety Click Here to see past articles