Passenger cars
Minimum Standards.—
The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe regulations establishing minimum standards for the safety of cars used by railroad carriers to transport passengers. Before prescribing such regulations, the Secretary shall consider—
the crashworthiness of the cars;
interior features (including luggage restraints, seat belts, and exposed surfaces) that may affect passenger safety;
maintenance and inspection of the cars;
emergency response procedures and equipment; and
any operating rules and conditions that directly affect safety not otherwise governed by regulations.
The Secretary may make applicable some or all of the standards established under this subsection to cars existing at the time the regulations are prescribed, as well as to new cars, and the Secretary shall explain in the rulemaking document the basis for making such standards applicable to existing cars.
Initial and Final Regulations.—
The Secretary shall prescribe initial regulations under subsection (a) within 3 years after
The Secretary shall prescribe final regulations under subsection (a) within 5 years after
Personnel.—
The Secretary may establish within the Department of Transportation 2 additional full-time equivalent positions beyond the number permitted under existing law to assist with the drafting, prescribing, and implementation of regulations under this section.
Consultation.—
In prescribing regulations, issuing orders, and making amendments under this section, the Secretary may consult with Amtrak, public authorities operating railroad passenger service, other railroad carriers transporting passengers, organizations of passengers, and organizations of employees. A consultation is not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), but minutes of the consultation shall be placed in the public docket of the regulatory proceeding.
Source
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e),Notes
|
Historical and Revision Notes |
||
|---|---|---|
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
20133(a) | 45:431(h)(1)(A) (1st, last sentences), (B), (4). | Oct. 16, 1970, Pub. L. 91–458, 84 Stat. 971, § 202(h); added Oct. 10, 1980, Pub. L. 96–423, § 14, 94 Stat. 1817; Jan. 14, 1983, Pub. L. 97–468, § 702(a), 96 Stat. 2579. |
20133(b) | 45:431(h)(1)(A) (2d, 3d sentences), (2). | |
20133(c) | 45:431(h)(3). |
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Amendments
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Emergency Lighting
to see and orient themselves;
to identify obstacles;
to safely move throughout the rail car; and
to evacuate safely.”
Passenger Rail Vehicle Occupant Protection Systems
Study.—
The Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration shall conduct a study of the potential installation and use in new passenger rail rolling stock of passenger rail vehicle occupant protection systems that could materially improve passenger safety.
Considerations.—
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider minimizing the risk of secondary collisions, including estimating the costs and benefits of the new requirements, through the use of—
occupant restraint systems;
air bags;
emergency window retention systems; and
interior designs, including seats, baggage restraints, and table configurations and attachments.
Report.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [
submit a report summarizing the findings of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a) to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
publish such report on the website of the Federal Railroad Administration.
Rulemaking.—
Following the completion of the study required under subsection (a), and after considering the costs and benefits of the proposed protection systems, the Administrator may promulgate a rule that establishes standards for the use of occupant protection systems in new passenger rail rolling stock.”