Abstract: The system can include: a motion planner and a switch management system. The system can optionally include or operate in conjunction with a vehicle controller, a user interface (UI), and a track data system. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to facilitate vehicle control and/or manage authority, in the form of exclusive track reservations, within a rail network. Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to manage switch positions (and/or operation based on switch positions) within a rail network.

Abstract: The system can include a dispatcher and a plurality of cars. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system 100 functions to enable platooning of the plurality of cars (e.g., by way of the method S100).

Abstract: The system 100 can include: a railroad integration system, a motion planner, a vehicle controller, an optional user interface (UI), an optional fleet management system, and an optional track data system. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to facilitate vehicle control and/or manage authority within a rail network.

Abstract: The method S100 can include: determining a remote operation request Silo; optionally determining a priority of the remote operation request S120; providing vehicle data to a remote operator S130; responding to the remote operation request S140; and optionally training a model based on the response S150. However, the method S100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method S100 functions to facilitate remote assistance of a vehicle operating within a rail network (e.g., operation of unmanned vehicles within restricted track regions). Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to facilitate remote validation/verification of vehicle operations and/or rail infrastructure status.

Abstract: A Rail Drone can include: a payload interface, a drivetrain, and a rail platform 515. The Rail Drone can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The Rail Drone can integrate a standardized payload interface and an autonomous electric road vehicle platform into a rolling stock architecture. The Rail Drone can be a stand-alone, payload-agnostic, motive element which can be independently or cooperatively capable of carrying heavy loads across long distances at various cruising speeds.

Abstract: In variants, the system can include a set of vehicles, cooperatively capable of forming a platoon. Each vehicle within the platoon can be configured to operate based on feedback from other vehicles within the platoon. In examples, a vehicle can selectively brake based on feedback from other vehicles within the platoon.

Abstract: The system 100 can include: a fleet management system, a motion planner, a vehicle controller, and a track data system. The system can optionally include a user interface. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to facilitate waypoint-based command, navigation, and/or control of rail vehicles within a rail network. Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to facilitate execution of the method S100 and/or sub-elements thereof.

Abstract: The system 100 can include: a railroad integration system, a motion planner, a vehicle controller, an optional user interface (UI), an optional fleet management system, and an optional track data system. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to facilitate vehicle control and/or manage authority within a rail network.

Abstract: The method S100 can include: determining a remote operation request S110; optionally determining a priority of the remote operation request S120; providing vehicle data to a remote operator S130; responding to the remote operation request S140; and optionally training a model based on the response S150. However, the method S100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method S100 functions to facilitate remote assistance of a vehicle operating within a rail network (e.g., operation of unmanned vehicles within restricted track regions). Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to facilitate remote validation/verification of vehicle operations and/or rail infrastructure status.

Abstract: A Rail Drone can include: a payload interface, a drivetrain, and a rail platform 515. The Rail Drone can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The Rail Drone can integrate a standardized payload interface and an autonomous electric road vehicle platform into a rolling stock architecture. The Rail Drone can be a stand-alone, payload-agnostic, motive element which can be independently or cooperatively capable of carrying heavy loads across long distances at various cruising speeds.

Abstract: The method S100 can include: determining a remote operation request S110; optionally determining a priority of the remote operation request S120; providing vehicle data to a remote operator S130; responding to the remote operation request S140; and optionally training a model based on the response S150. However, the method S100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method S100 functions to facilitate remote assistance of a vehicle operating within a rail network (e.g., operation of unmanned vehicles within restricted track regions). Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to facilitate remote validation/verification of vehicle operations and/or rail infrastructure status.

Abstract: The system 100 can include: a fleet management system, a motion planner, a vehicle controller, and a track data system. The system can optionally include a user interface. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to facilitate waypoint-based command, navigation, and/or control of rail vehicles within a rail network. Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to facilitate execution of the method S100 and/or sub-elements thereof.

Abstract: The system can include a dispatcher and a plurality of cars. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system 100 functions to enable platooning of the plurality of cars (e.g., by way of the method S100).

Abstract: The electric vehicle can include: a payload interface, a payload suspension, a chassis, a set of bumpers, a sensor suite, a controller, a chassis suspension, and an electric powertrain. The electric vehicle 100 can optionally include a payload adapter, a power source, a cooling subsystem, and/or any other suitable components. The electric vehicle functions to structurally support a payload, such as a cargo container (e.g., intermodal container, ISO container, etc.), and/or to facilitate transportation of a payload via railway infrastructure.

Abstract: The electric vehicle can include: a payload interface, a payload suspension, a chassis, a set of bumpers, a sensor suite, a controller, a chassis suspension, and an electric powertrain. The electric vehicle 100 can optionally include a payload adapter, a power source, a cooling subsystem, and/or any other suitable components. The electric vehicle functions to structurally support a payload, such as a cargo container (e.g., intermodal container, ISO container, etc.), and/or to facilitate transportation of a payload via railway infrastructure.

Abstract: The method can include: creating a platoon; maintaining a platoon; responding to a platoon event; and separating a platoon. However, the method can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method functions to facilitate cooperative transportation (platooning) of a plurality of payloads by way of the cars.

Abstract: The method can include: creating a platoon; maintaining a platoon; responding to a platoon event; and separating a platoon. However, the method can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method functions to facilitate cooperative transportation (platooning) of a plurality of payloads by way of the cars.

Abstract: The electric vehicle can include: a payload interface, a payload suspension, a chassis, a set of bumpers, a sensor suite, a controller, a chassis suspension, and an electric powertrain. The electric vehicle 100 can optionally include a payload adapter, a power source, a cooling subsystem, and/or any other suitable components. The electric vehicle functions to structurally support a payload, such as a cargo container (e.g., intermodal container, ISO container, etc.), and/or to facilitate transportation of a payload via railway infrastructure.

Abstract: A Rail Drone can include: a payload interface, a drivetrain, and a rail platform(515). The Rail Drone can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The Rail Drone can integrate a standardized payload interface and an autonomous electric road vehicle platform into a rolling stock architecture. The Rail Drone can be a stand-alone, payload-agnostic, motive element which can be independently or cooperatively capable of carrying heavy loads across long distances at various cruising speeds.

Abstract: A Rail Drone can include: a payload interface, a drivetrain, and a rail platform 515. The Rail Drone can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The Rail Drone can integrate a standardized payload interface and an autonomous electric road vehicle platform into a rolling stock architecture. The Rail Drone can be a stand-alone, payload-agnostic, motive element which can be independently or cooperatively capable of carrying heavy loads across long distances at various cruising speeds.