An elevator system with an elevator car 14, a linear propulsion system to impart force to the elevator car in a hoistway 11, a hoistway communication network 106, 206, a local communication network 110, 210, 310 and motion controls. One of the motion controls proximate to the elevator car is designated as a primary control 61 operable to command at least one drive 42A-42F via the local communication network. The at least one drive is coupled to one or more motor segments 22 of the linear propulsion system. The elevator system further includes a controller 46 operable to command the primary control via the hoistway communication network to reposition the elevator car within the hoistway. The designation of the primary control transitions between the motion controls as the elevator car moves in the hoistway.