When used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings, respectively, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. (1) DEPARTMENT. The Department of Transportation of the State of Alabama.
2. (2) PERSON. An individual, corporation, partnership or foreign or domestic association.
3. (3) RAIL PROPERTIES. Assets or rights, both real and personal, owned, leased or otherwise controlled by a railroad which are used or useful in providing rail transportation service.
4. (4) RAIL SERVICE. Both freight and passenger service.

(Acts 1976, No. 307, p. 340, §2.)