To the Editor:

Cabbies have never been too happy about having to go to Roosevelt Island and drive back to Manhattan empty. Especially with Main Street being a dead-end street where you can't make U-turns. Can't say I blame them.

But now, how far does a taxi driver have to drive - 20 mph, with a stop sign every 50 yards - before he can turn around and head back north to the bridge?

That is very embarrassing. I can only empathize when I hear a driver curse because I'm going to Main Street, and no reasonable tip will adequately compensate him for the wasted time and mileage.

Is anyone giving any thought to providing a place where cars are allowed to turn back without having to go all the way to the Tram?

Claude Lestelle

To the Editor:

After visiting our Island merchants and getting depressed over the conditions of their stores, I wrote a letter to The WIRE. Lots of friends and neighbors told me how wonderful it was. I am still waiting to see results at our shops. The fish/vegetable market looks much cleaner. To date there is no change at the rest of our stores.

In order to prevent depression, I decided to leave the island by Tram.

What do I notice at the Tram?

The cabins are in need of a good cleaning. The windows at the end of the cabins, especially those under the gratings, are dirty. No one has removed the gratings in a long time and washed the windows, inside and out.

The cabin ceilings are filthy. Some white paint would help. We can see every greasy handprint that has worked in the cabin this year.

The blue walls need a scrubbing and/or paint job.

The upholstery is torn on the benches. I am sure we can afford a few yards of vinyl fabric.

The "pits" where the cabins pull in at the Manhattan station are filthy, need a sweeping and hosing down.

The elevator floor has not been washed in months. The entire elevator is dirty.

Only one turnstile works in Manhattan. Yes, I know they no longer make turnstiles that do not take the MetroCard. Hint hint - it is time for the MetroCard.

The entire Manhattan station needs a renovation. We do not even have a sign indicating that this is the Roosevelt Island Tramway Station any more. It left with the staircase.

Aside from the massive renovation needed at the Manhattan station, the other suggestions will cost virtually no money and can easily be done during the nightly down time.

It is time our Tram manager, Sean Kirby, paid a little attention to the condition of the Tram. Why aren't you overseeing this, Mr. Ryan?

Judith Berdy

To the Editor:

My apartment overlooks Main Street and I spend a fair amount of time listening to music and looking out at the street. I have a view of the bus stop at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. I see many residents stop and stare to see if a minibus is coming, trying to decide whether to walk to the subway or Tram, or wait for the bus.

Except for rush hours, the minibus always leaves Motorgate at five minutes past the quarter hour. To catch a bus, be at either of the two bus stops at five minutes past the quarter hour, and the wait will be only a minute or two.

Jerry Lieber

To the Editor:

A super and very special "Congratulations!" to Vicki Feinmel and the committee who organized the FunRaiser Dance earlier this month. It was a fabulous party and only great things were overheard about it. Thanks to all of you for keeping an "Eye On The Isle" and doing something that brings our community together. Looking forward to the next event.

Harry Small