Fix-it solutions offered

When the Long Island Rail Road's gap problems were highlighted last summer, a retired civil engineer from Kings Park started thinking about a solution.

Tom Rosati, 76, thought that perhaps the LIRR could benefit from a rubber bumper on platform edges, similar to the rubber fenders used for boats in marinas. "This would be hard rubber so if the train bumped it, it wouldn't tear," he said.

Rosati said he built a model of the rubber bumper and sent a picture of the model as well as a catalog describing the maritime fenders to LIRR officials for them to consider. Other than acknowledging receiving the catalog, Rosati said he hasn't gotten a response.

Rosati isn't alone in wanting to help the LIRR. Railroad officials have received suggestions ranging in price and complexity. They include an automated bridge that would deploy from the train door to the station platform, and a retractable platform extender already in use at three New York City subway stations.