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).

In subsection (a), the words “within one year after January 14, 1983” and “initial” are omitted as obsolete. The text of 45:431(h)(1)(B) is omitted as executed. The words “after a hearing in accordance with subsection (b) of this section” are omitted as surplus because of section 20103(e) of the revised title.

In subsections (b) and (c), the word “subsequent” is omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c), the word “Amtrak” is substituted for “National Railroad Passenger Corporation” for consistency in this subtitle. The word “regulatory” is substituted for “rulemaking” for consistency in the revised title.

Editorial Notes
Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “chapter 10 of title 5,” for “the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.),”.

1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–287, § 5(47)(A), substituted “November 2, 1994” for “the date of enactment of the Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1994”.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–287, § 5(47)(B), substituted “November 2, 1994” for “such date of enactment”.

1994—Pub. L. 103–440 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for provisions requiring the Secretary to take administrative action to ensure that the construction, operation, and maintenance of passenger rail equipment maximize the safety of passengers, and providing for areas of consideration and concentration, as well as consultation with Amtrak.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Emergency Lighting

Pub. L. 117–58, div. B, title II, § 22406, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 738, provided that: “Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021], the Secretary [of Transportation] shall initiate a rulemaking to require that all rail carriers providing intercity passenger rail transportation or commuter rail passenger transportation (as such terms are defined in section 24102 of title 49, United States Code), develop and implement periodic inspection plans to ensure that passenger equipment offered for revenue service complies with the requirements under part 238 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, including ensuring that, in the event of a loss of power, there is adequate emergency lighting available to allow passengers, crew members, and first responders—

“(1)
to see and orient themselves;
“(2)
to identify obstacles;
“(3)
to safely move throughout the rail car; and
“(4)
to evacuate safely.”

Passenger Rail Vehicle Occupant Protection Systems

Pub. L. 117–58, div. B, title II, § 22420, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 749, provided that:

“(a)
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.
“(b)
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—
“(1)
occupant restraint systems;
“(2)
air bags;
“(3)
emergency window retention systems; and
“(4)
interior designs, including seats, baggage restraints, and table configurations and attachments.
“(c)
Report.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 2021], the Administrator shall—
“(1)
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
“(2)
publish such report on the website of the Federal Railroad Administration.
“(d)
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.”