The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is seeking a two-year extension to fully roll out a federally mandated safety upgrade.

U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey tells News 12 the MTA should have been able to meet the deadline set by the Federal Railroad Administration to install and implement the positive train control (PTC) technology. The technology is used to prevent train collisions caused by excessive speed and human error.

"The MTA has had 10 years and ample resources to complete PTC installation," says Lowey. "Further delays in fully implementing this lifesaving technology are a failure to ensure passenger safety."

MTA officials say they will meet the minimum standards of compliance by year's end. They say most employees will be trained, but more time is needed.

"We know we can show that the PTC works," says MTA Director Debbie Chin. "What we need to work on is that it's safe and reliable."

It could be a few months before the MTA knows whether it has been granted an extension.