Traffic network and method for operating rail vehicles in a traffic network consisting of a combination of line sections with train protection and line sections without train protection

A method for operating rail vehicles in a traffic network, which includes a reserved operating area that is reserved for the rail vehicles and a shared operating area which is shared with traffic participants other than the rail vehicles. A computer-assisted method for train control is performed automatically in the reserved operating area. The method for automatic train control is also performed in a computer-assisted manner in the shared operating area, wherein automatic train protection does not take place but automatic operation and supervision do take place. Using a range of functions modified thus, continuous train tracking is advantageously realized. There are also described a traffic network for operating rail vehicles, a rail vehicle for operation in a traffic network, and a computer program and an associated delivery device.