MTA LIRR ANNOUNCES 35 PERCENT DECREASE IN GAP ACCIDENTS IN 2009

[Dan]

Gap accidents at the MTA Long Island Rail Road declined by 35 percent in 2009 compared to the prior year; and by 56 percent compared to 2007.

 

"We've made a concerted effort to address the gap issue and we think those efforts are contributing to these significant reductions in the number of incidents," said LIRR President Helena E. Williams. "Our efforts will continue. Safety is our No. 1 concern at the LIRR. We remind customers to take responsibility for their own safety when exiting and entering trains. Put your Blackberry away, turn off your IPod and stow your cell phone for that moment. Your safety depends on it."

 

In 2009, there were 77 gap incidents, down from 119 incidents in 2008 and 175 in 2007.

 

Through 2009, the LIRR expended approximately $27 million in gap mitigation efforts. An additional $12.3 million will be spent through 2012 addressing the gap by completing platform modifications, installing threshold plates on M3 and C3 cars, and the use of special platform conductors.

 

The LIRR’s multifaceted approach to gap mitigation includes a comprehensive customer education/awareness ‘Be TrainSmart’ Safety campaign; installation of platform edgeboards and shifting of platforms and track to reduce the gap; retrofitting of trains cars with wider threshold plates; and platform stencilings, expanded station signage and celebrity announcements advising customers to be mindful of the gap.

 

Currently, all the LIRR’s 836 newer M7 electric cars – the bulk of the LIRR fleet – have been fitted with new, wider threshold plates. Additional safety measures remain in place at Syosset Station, which is on a significant curve, including the use of special platform conductors, the call-ahead-for-assistance program, additional signage, platform edge lighting and platform cameras and monitors.

[Dan]

I still find it amazing that we actually have to tell people that there is a gap between the train and the platform. :confused:

[Joe]

Every so often someone pipes up that Landia should be reopened. Landia was located between Hicksville and Syosset, not very far west of the current Syosset station.

 

Don't think it'll happen with the current fiscal climate.

[Dan]

Or people can pay attention at Syosset and use COMMON SENSE and realize that there is a gap between the train and the platform.

 

 

What's next? Should the government spend tons of money on ad campaigns telling people that they have to step up for a curb?

[Joe]

That would make sense, but you and I both know that it just ain't happening.

 

Plus you know the types out there, they'll get the RR by the balls either politically or through the courts...

[Dan]

Yep, this is the world we live in where common sense aint so common.