gardner in terms of ptc? is there a significant need for money, and are they away that it might be available or do they need a webinar? >> thank you, senator reed. i think there is clearly room for sufficient investment in ptc implementation primarily across the commuter railroads and smaller railroads. i don't -- i'm not able to give you an estimate of how much is required, but to yourp -- certainly the crsy funding provides a broad opportunity for safety investments, and we've certainly reached out with partners like miss quinn to look at opportunities for partnership between states and amtrak to go after those investments so we kim prove our system, and we're anxious to -- to do that as we can. >> the state of good repair of the railroad, mr. gardner, is a safety concern for amtrak operations, and can you give us any examples, and there's also i think $275 million that's waiting to be dispersed by fra for those programs, is that correct? >> that's correct. >> can you give you us some examples of how critic

ptc is never going to end. it is a living system and you have to get people to comply with what the administrative prerequisites are to maintain ptc and once you have that in place, you can then administer and monitor the operation of ptc going forward. it is critical that people do what they are supposed to do, such as safety plans and implementation plans. >> which i have a question about, if you would indulge me, let me ask mister gardner one question about training. according to the seattle times, the training of the employees is a serious concern. they outlined that employees were concerned that engineers had piled up into a single locomotive car to do the training runs of the group. conductors were low -- were largely kept further back in the train. some did the runs in the dark, after midnight. supervisors were unwilling or unavailable to answer questions about key characteristics on the route. safety starts with training and it clearly was inadequate. what are we doing about that? >> thank you, senator

ptc. moving forward, fra will continue to support and facilitate railroad implementation of ptc technology by utilizing the tools afforded by congress. and providing extensive technical assistance and guidance to railroads and their suppliers. we remain vigilant in harnessing and leveraging all personnel, financial and other resources, available to help expedite railroad implementation efforts. we appreciate the subcommittee's support for our critical programs. and we welcome your continued partnership to advance rail safety with all of that said, i sit here very honorable in front of you, look forward to listening to your concerns and answering your questions on railroad safety. >> thank you, mr. administrator. senator collins is going to the floor for the vote. when she returns, i'll go to the floor for my vote. your testimony, please. >> thank you, ranking member reed and my fellow witnesses. appreciate the opportunity to be here this afternoon and for the subcommittee to focus on safet