The LIRR gap issue

Discuss the gap between the train and the platform in many stations, an issue the Long Island Rail Road admitted they knew about but didn't fix.

The LIRR gap issue may very well turn out to be one of the most significant concerns of the 21st century.

Conductors are obsolete and expensive. Magentic tickets and electric turnstilles could replace them and save commuters thousands of dollars. Forcing people to wait in Penn Sta before announcing a departing minutes before departure time is dangerous and inconvenient. Why isn't there a set schedule for trains and tracks? When a train is late or not even operating, we are not offered a refund. Thus, even if the product is faulty, there is no accountability. Now, people actually die and no one cared. The LIRR is the filth and shame of a great nation; operated and patronized by people with no self respect nor pride in their community. Shame on you all.

Must be a slow news day on Long Island. Ever notice that whenever nothing happens Newsday breaks out the gap story. How about you leave the railroad alone and do some investigative reporting. Why not tell the truth about Iraq. Nope back to the gap again. God forbid you actually get of of your a** and do some work.

For the last time ... when boarding a train, watch out for the freakin gap. This is going to cost commuters a fortune in fare hikes all because a few fools can't pay attention and walk at the same time.

"I'm up two, three hours at night. I'm told I have post traumatic syndrome. I'm on meds. I'm hurting."
OH PHULEEEEZE!!!! From falling into a GAP this woman claims she has PTSD? Jill Florman YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF! What you're trying to pull is pretty obvious.

The gaps have been there for decades, let's all sue now!!! They should close all of the stations that have gaps...That would serve the public right! This is an age of lawsuits.

I do not understand why this has to be on the front page of the web page (is it on the print edition too?- I also do not understand why it is such an issue NOW! I commuted in the 80s and 90s on the LIRR, I watched "the gap". Same gap. Will this go away? We have other major issues that deserve front page treatment!

Ooops I forgot to watch where I was going!

Alan Q wrote:

Conductors are obsolete and expensive. Magentic tickets and electric turnstilles could replace them and save commuters thousands of dollars. Forcing people to wait in Penn Sta before announcing a departing minutes before departure time is dangerous and inconvenient. Why isn't there a set schedule for trains and tracks? When a train is late or not even operating, we are not offered a refund. Thus, even if the product is faulty, there is no accountability. Now, people actually die and no one cared. The LIRR is the filth and shame of a great nation; operated and patronized by people with no self respect nor pride in their community. Shame on you all.

This cannot be serious!

Kim T wrote:

I do not understand why this has to be on the front page of the web page (is it on the print edition too?- I also do not understand why it is such an issue NOW! I commuted in the 80s and 90s on the LIRR, I watched "the gap". Same gap. Will this go away? We have other major issues that deserve front page treatment!

It's a big issue now because some 18 yr old fell through the gap and was killed. When the whole story about her being drunk and not heeding the advise from the people on the platform she ran under the train and was hit by another. Obviously the alcohol impaired her judgement as wel as her perception while walking that she fell. I commuted for years, I don't think they can paint the gap and brighter and warn the commuter enough but people still fall in. If you continualy tell someone of a pending issue and they still get hurt why do we in this great country let people sue for their stupidity and carelessness?

Zed wrote:

For the last time ... when boarding a train, watch out for the freakin gap. This is going to cost commuters a fortune in fare hikes all because a few fools can't pay attention and walk at the same time.

You are absolutely 100% correct.

Kim T wrote:

I do not understand why this has to be on the front page of the web page (is it on the print edition too?- I also do not understand why it is such an issue NOW! I commuted in the 80s and 90s on the LIRR, I watched "the gap". Same gap. Will this go away? We have other major issues that deserve front page treatment!

You are such an idiot. I used to ride the LIRR in the late 70's and the gap was there. It's really scary when you try to get on and being pushed. You think you're going to fall in the gap. You don't think that a persons life or the issue of what caused it is important. Boy you're sick. Yes something should have been done. It should have been done 30 years ago.

Here's a concept folks! When walking, try looking down once in awhile! What do you do when you descend stairs, stare up at the ceiling?

Tony wrote:

The LIRR gap issue may very well turn out to be one of the most significant concerns of the 21st century.

I agree. There is NOTHING more important that people's inability to walk in stridges greater than 10"!!!!

882 gap accidents since 1995, that is 74 per year, with a ridership of 100 million people per year you can figure theat is 200 million steps over the gap, 74 accidents per year puts it at 0.000037% of riders have accidents. Find me a way of commuting that is that safe? I bet we all know someone who had a car accident coming or going to work this past year, does anyone know anyone who had a gap accident?

Download the Letter to Mayor Lundquist of Garden City from the LIRRR on the Western Garden City Property Ownners Association Inc.website. This letter is available on www.gcwpoa.com . The LIRR wants to destroy Garden City. Help us.