LIRR to review all platform gaps

In response to the death of a Minnesota woman who fell through a gap between a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train and the platform, local politicians and transportation representatives met to discuss how to better protect commuters.
Natalie Smead was at the Woodside train station, where the recent press conference was held, on August 5 when she fell. Although there is a &#8220Watch the Gap” sign posted, there are still injuries that occur because the gaps can differ depending on train size and position.
&#8220It is truly a tragedy that a young girl lost her life right here at the Woodside station,” said senator Serphin Maltese. &#8220We must ensure that riders are protected from this obviously dangerous situation.”
The LIRR and Metro-North includes 246 train stations. Maltese and fellow senators Dean Skelos, Nicholas Spano and Carl Marcellino have asked the New York Public Transportation Safety Board to review all of the gaps at these stations.
In a joint statement, the senators said, &#8220These platform gaps create a dangerous situation that has resulted in numerous documented injuries and, tragically, the loss of a young girl's life. With gaps that often range from six inches to those that are wide enough for someone to fall through; a simple announcement is not enough.”
During the press conference, LIRR president James Dermody said that the MTA and the LIRR &#8220will cooperate fully with the Senators and the New York Public Transportation Safety Board in investigating and addressing concerns regarding the gap at LIRR stations.”