One embodiment is directed to a distributed antenna system (DAS) configured to cause a remote antenna unit deployed near a railroad track to operate in a low-power and/or muted operational state. While the remote antenna unit is operating in the low-power and/or muted operational state, the DAS determines if a train is sufficiently close to a coverage area of the remote antenna unit to trigger a change in an operational state of the remote antenna unit. In response to such a determination, the DAS causes the remote antenna unit to operate in a normal operational state. While the remote antenna unit is operating in the normal operational state, the DAS determines if the train has exited the coverage area of the remote antenna unit. In response to such a determination, the DAS causes the remote antenna unit to operate in the low-power and/or muted operational state.