((a)) ** .—** 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—

((1)) the crashworthiness of the cars;

((2)) interior features (including luggage restraints, seat belts, and exposed surfaces) that may affect passenger safety;

((3)) maintenance and inspection of the cars;

((4)) emergency response procedures and equipment; and

((5)) any operating rules and conditions that directly affect safety not otherwise governed by regulations.

((b)) ** .—**

((1)) The Secretary shall prescribe initial regulations under subsection (a) within 3 years after . The initial regulations may exempt equipment used by tourist, historic, scenic, and excursion railroad carriers to transport passengers.

((2)) The Secretary shall prescribe final regulations under subsection (a) within 5 years after .

((c)) ** .—** 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.

((d)) ** .—** 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.