An elevator control system is configured to control an elevator car constructed and arranged to move along a hoistway defined by a stationary structure. The elevator system may include a communication pathway and a hoistway control system supported by the stationary structure and configured to send a continuous brake command signal over the pathway. A car control system is carried by the elevator car and is configured to receive the continuous brake command signal and initiate a brake Ustop mode upon a loss of the brake command signal, and independent of the hoistway control system.