According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised the main passenger elevator located at the Manhattan Tram station is currently out of service. Maintenance technicians will be on-site shortly to resolve the issue. While repairs are being performed, the disabled and patrons with strollers are encouraged to use the ADA elevator lift. An update will be provided as soon as the passenger elevator is back in service.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Image of Tram Passenger Elevator and ADA Red Lift From May 29 2013 Also, a Roosevelt Island parent reports:

…tram operators are not answering the bell of the red elevator for those mothers and dads with strollers on the manhattan side of tram. People are having to ask other riders going up to the tram to notify the tram employees to come over and operate elevator.

UPDATE 2:15 PM – From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse: