ew York City has an enormous mass transit system, blanketing boroughs with buses, trains, vans and even ferries. Although the standard fare of $1.50 will take you anywhere in the city, some public transportation doesn't even charge. The free Staten Island Ferry is highly subsidized and recouped only 11 percent of operating costs in 1997. New York City buses recover more than 50 percent of their operating income through passenger revenue. Despite differences in so-called fare box revenue, Manhattan doesn't make any money on these ventures. In fact, losses stack up on the transit balance sheets for the state and city. Transit systems weren't necessarily built to be profitable, but some systems do better than others.

The Competition

ry two dueling transit systems on an island only two miles long. The tram was initially built in 1976 to serve as temporary transport until a Roosevelt Island subway station could open within five years. The project faltered and the subway opened 13 years later in 1989. A five-year contingency turned into a 24-year stretch of Tram service.

The Tram Suffers

he Roosevelt Island Tramway lost a lot of money in 1989, after the long promised subway station opened. Revenue from passenger fares were cut in half for several years.

"I can't believe we're still operating," says Armando Cordova, lead supervisor for the tram. "We have, probably, one-third the passengers we used to have before the subway opened."

The tram also hasn't been upgraded as part of the citywide MetroCard system. There is no MetroCard swipe and as far as officials are concerned, there won't be one soon. The tram only takes transit tokens.

"I think they're grappling with the transfer question," says a tram rider named Bill. "I mean, do you get a bus or subway transfer, I don't think they know?"

Mass Transit Authority officials would not comment on the possibility of a Roosevelt Island MetroCard swipe.

Safety and Service

e provide a more personal service," says Cordova. "People don't get a hello on the subway." It's also safer, according to Judy Berdy of the Roosevelt Island Historical Society.

"When was the last time you heard about a mugging on the tram?" says Berdy. "It just doesn't happen. It's open late at night, every night and there's always an operator riding with you."

The seasoned touch of Tram veteran Greg Paravati usually perks up the commuting crowd. After 24 years as an operator, he ends each trip with a fond farewell:
"Have a nice day everybody."