49 U.S.C. § 20133: Passenger cars

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 shall prescribe initial regulations under subsection (a) within 3 years after November 2, 1994 . The initial regulations may exempt equipment used by tourist, historic, scenic, and excursion railroad carriers to transport passengers. The Secretary shall prescribe final regulations under subsection (a) within 5 years after November 2, 1994 . 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. 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 chapter 10 of title 5, but minutes of the consultation shall be placed in the public docket of the regulatory proceeding. to see and orient themselves; to identify obstacles; to safely move throughout the rail car; and to evacuate safely.” 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. occupant restraint systems; air bags; emergency window retention systems; and interior designs, including seats, baggage restraints, and table configurations and attachments. 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. 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.”