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Last year, the number of accidents associated with the gap between an MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train and station platform totaled 77, down 35 percent compared with 2008’s total (119) and 56 percent compared with 2007’s count (175).

Through 2009, LIRR spent about $27 million on gap mitigation measures. The railroad plans to spend an additional $12.3 million through 2012 to modify platforms, install threshold plates on M3 and C3 cars, and employ special platform conductors.

LIRR’s gap mitigation strategy also includes a passenger education/awareness program and safety campaign; the installation of platform edgeboards and edge lighting; platform and track shifts to reduce gaps; car retrofits featuring wider threshold plates; expanded station signage; and celebrity announcements advising riders to be mindful of gaps.

“We remind customers to take responsibility for their own safety when exiting and entering trains,” said LIRR President Helena Williams in a prepared statement. “Put your Blackberry away, turn off your iPod and stow your cell phone for that moment.”