Gap filler
Encyclopedia
Platform gap fillers on the metro systems like the New York City Subway
or on train stations in Hong Kong
are movable platform extensions at stations where the curvature of the platform creates a significant gap between the platform and subway car door. In contrast, see "Mind the gap
".
's first cars were built with only two doors on each side, at the extreme ends of the car, lining up with the curved platforms so as not to leave a wide gap between the train and the platform. When the IRT modified existing cars and ordered new cars with a middle door, gap fillers were needed because the middle door was not near the platform. After the City of New York bought the IRT in 1940, new car designs (starting with the R12
) had the end doors away from the extreme ends of the carbody, which also required the use of gap fillers at certain stations.
New York City Subway
The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system owned by the City of New York and leased to the New York City Transit Authority, a subsidiary agency of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and also known as MTA New York City Transit...
or on train stations in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
are movable platform extensions at stations where the curvature of the platform creates a significant gap between the platform and subway car door. In contrast, see "Mind the gap
Mind the gap
"Mind the gap" is a warning to train passengers to take caution while crossing the gap between the train door and the station platform. It was introduced in 1969 on the London Underground...
".
History in New York
The Interborough Rapid Transit CompanyInterborough Rapid Transit Company
The Interborough Rapid Transit Company was the private operator of the original underground New York City Subway line that opened in 1904, as well as earlier elevated railways and additional rapid transit lines in New York City. The IRT was purchased by the City in June 1940...
's first cars were built with only two doors on each side, at the extreme ends of the car, lining up with the curved platforms so as not to leave a wide gap between the train and the platform. When the IRT modified existing cars and ordered new cars with a middle door, gap fillers were needed because the middle door was not near the platform. After the City of New York bought the IRT in 1940, new car designs (starting with the R12
R12 (New York City Subway car)
The R12 was a New York City Subway car, the first city-owned rolling stock for the IRT division. Built by American Car and Foundry Company in 1948, these cars were very similar to the R10s, except the R12 was smaller...
) had the end doors away from the extreme ends of the carbody, which also required the use of gap fillers at certain stations.
Stations equipped
IRT stations with gap fillers were:- South Ferry, outer loop. The station closed on 16 March 2009 and was replaced by a new station which does not require gap fillers.
- Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall (IRT Lexington Avenue Line), uptown and downtown express platforms. These were deactivated when the station was extended northward. These gap fillers are still in place and can be seen just south of the current platforms.
- 14th Street – Union Square (IRT Lexington Avenue Line), downtown platform (local and express). There may have been gap fillers on the uptown express platform. A new design of gap filler was installed in 2004 to provide maintenance access from the platform rather than requiring crews to stand at track level.
- Times Square (IRT 42nd Street Shuttle), tracks 1 and 3.