Central Islip Platform Access

Dear President Phil Eng:

Marilyn N. Poterson, a member of the LIRR Commuter Council, travels daily from Central Islip in Suffolk County into Manhattan. She has expressed concern about the lack of a pedestrian bridge between the north, westbound side of the platform to the short-term parking area, where the handicap parking is located. Since completion of the double track, passengers on A.M. peak trains who park in that lot often must scramble to get across the tracks – at times finding themselves caught between the crossing arms. The situation has been exacerbated within the last three weeks, with the earlier-than-usual arrival of the 6:54 A.M. train. To add insult to injury, some commuters have been getting a citation from local police for walking in between the crossing arms, when that was not the passenger’s intent.

There are at least two people on that particular train, according to Ms. Poterson, who have mobility difficulties. This issue has become a concern of the fellow commuters on that train and with our Council. Therefore, the LIRR Commuter Council is requesting that the Long Island Rail Road build a pedestrian crossing on the south end of the platform for riders to have a safe and convenient path to board the train.

I appreciate your attention to this serious matter, and look forward to your response.