A braking system conducts an electronic command signal via a cable extending through multiple first vehicles in a first segment of a multi-vehicle system. The electronic command signal directs engagement or release of an air brake coupled to a brake pipe that extends along a length of the multi-vehicle system. A pneumatic command signal is communicated via the brake pipe to one or more second vehicles in a second segment of the multi-vehicle system. The pneumatic command signal directs one or more of the engagement or the release of the air brake coupled to the brake pipe in the one or more second vehicles.