Rail system having a wired communication zone

A method of operating a rail system, comprising:

• selectively connecting a controller to a wireless network;
• transmitting a first data communication to or from the controller over the wireless network;
• selectively connecting an electrical contact to a rail vehicle while the rail vehicle travels on a powered section of a track;
• initiating power transmission to or from the rail vehicle via the electrical contact at selected times when the rail vehicle is traveling on the powered section of the track;
• and
• transmitting a second data communication to or from the controller via the electrical contact.

A rail system comprising:

• a track including a wireless communication zone, a wired communication zone, a powered section, and an unpowered section;
• an electrical contact that extends along the powered section and the wired communication zone;
• an energy exchange station electrically connected to the electrical contact;
• a rail vehicle configured to travel on the track and be electrically connected to the electrical contact;
• a controller selectively electrically connectable to the electrical contact and a wireless network;
• wherein:
• the energy exchange station is configured to:
• initiate power transmission between the energy exchange station and the rail vehicle, through the electrical contact, when the rail vehicle is on the powered section of the track;
• and
• discontinue power transmission between the energy exchange station and the rail vehicle when the rail vehicle leaves the powered section of the track;
• and
• the controller is configured to switch between data communication transmission via the wireless network and via the electrical contact, based at least in part on the rail vehicle being in one or more of the wireless communication zone, the wired communication zone, the powered section, and the unpowered section.