mr. szabo is a fifth generation railroader who between 2006 and 2009 was vice president of the illinois afl-cio, and he also has served as mayor of riverdale, illinois, and a member of the south suburban mayors' transportation committee. he has held various other public service positions, and we welcome you, mr. szabo, to the hearing and particularly for your long expertise and your experience in this area. chairman deborah hersman of the national transportation safety board is recognized as one of the most passionate and visionary safety leaders for all modes of transportation. among her initiatives include the actions and attention focused on distracted driving, child passenger safety and helping accident victims and their families. she has been a board member on the scene for 19 major transportation accidents, and she has chaired dozens of ntsb hearings, forums, events, and she regularly testifies before congress. her leadership has made the ntsb a better organization, and we're proud to wel

mr. szabo, i'm interested in knowing if the fra were to consider extensions on a case-by-case basis, based on the technological financial and logistical challenges that would be associate with that, how long would likely take fra to consider an application and to make a decision? >> you mean to get through a process? >> right. >> assuming all information was complete we believe we could have it done in 30-45 days. >> how much would you have to devote in terms of resources? is that a resource intensive process? >> it certainly consumes recess is but in a 2014 -- resources, we have requested the personnel necessary to execute our entire safety regime which would include implementation of ptc. >> if i might just express a concern that's already been raised here, and that is there some high level of confidence i would argue right now particularly with regard to government agencies, and evaluating these issues on a case-by-case basis which is argument alluded to. it strikes me lives and make a lot m