An improved communications for an electrified monorail includes an off-board programmable logic controller having at least one output electrically coupled to a buss bar of the electrified monorail. At least one other programmable logic controller is mounted on a vehicle that travels on the electrified monorail and includes at least one input in electrical contact with the buss bar. The off-board programmable logic controller is programmed to set its output at a series of high and low voltages corresponding to a message. The on-board programmable logic controller is programmed to detect the series of high and low voltages, store them at least temporarily in memory, and act accordingly upon the transmitted message.