City Transport Simulator News

Welcome to the 17th Pic of the Week! Today, we delve into the fascinating world of FGI displays, which play a crucial role in our tram simulation.





FGI displays (Passenger Information Displays) are located at every tram stop in Tramau. They provide information about which lines are departing from that stop, their destinations, and the expected departure time in minutes. These displays use timetable data as a basis and switch to real-time tram data as soon as it becomes available. This enables them to accurately display any delays or early departures.

[h2]Calculation of Departure Time[/h2]
The display of estimated departure time is based on various factors considered during the planning of tram routes. These factors include the interval between trams, the distance between stations, and the average speed of the trams.



Along the track, sensors continuously monitor whether the tram's IBIS (on-board information system) is adhering to the schedule. If the tram arrives at any of the sensors too early or too late, it communicates this information to the FGI (passenger information system). As a result, the FGI display deviates from the timetable data and shows an estimated time until departure based on the distance from the tram to the station and an estimated average speed.

[h2]Design and Functionality[/h2]

There are many different designs of FGI displays across Europe. They often consist of LED display panels that are either standalone units mounted at the stop or integrated into the stop sign. We have opted for standalone LED display panels, which are also commonly found in many German cities. The bright color and clear font make it easy for passengers to see the information even from a distance and in low-light conditions.



In CTS: Tram, the FGI displays use the same system as the ULF tram's matrix display. For this purpose, we have developed special fonts that work optimally with the LEDs. The result is a user-friendly and highly flexible system that provides dynamic information depending on which line, destination, and departure time needs to be displayed.

CTS: Tram is set to be released in 2024, and we are excited to share these exciting developments with our community. Stay tuned for further in-depth insights into the development process, exclusive features, and exciting updates. Join the discussion on our Steam Forum, Discord Server, and explore our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook).

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https://store.steampowered.com/app/2604480/City_Transport_Simulator_Tram/

Welcome to the 16th Pic of the Week! Today, we take a closer look at the Weber Theater, a proud landmark of cultural significance in Tramau.





The Weber Theater was built in 1861 and stands today as a proud example of the city's cultural significance. It emerged from the residents' desire for a place to enjoy plays, operas, and concerts. The construction of the theater was a collaborative project supported by wealthy citizens, artists, and municipal authorities. The theater was named after the recently deceased composer Anna von Weber.

The neoclassical theater building, located near the Puls Center and the main railway station, making it a central hub in the city, was designed by renowned architect Ludwig von Baumann. Inside, the theater offers two magnificent auditoriums, accommodating hundreds of people. The remarkable acoustics of the halls make the theater a preferred venue for musical performances.

[h2]Rumors of Similarity[/h2]

According to rumors, Theophil von Hansen allegedly stole the architectural plan of the Weber Theater from Ludwig von Baumann. This purportedly allowed him to be responsible for the Musikverein Wien only two years later, explaining the striking resemblance between the two buildings. Theophil was already involved in the planning of several other buildings in Vienna at that time, suggesting that he may not have had enough time to design a new plan. However, historians are still divided on the accuracy of this story.



[h2]Challenges of Design[/h2]

Designing large buildings in 3D models always poses the challenge of finding the right balance of detail. On one hand, we aim to meet today's graphic requirements, while on the other hand, we must ensure that the model remains performant. Striking the balance between what to model intricately and what to keep simple is no easy task.



To facilitate this, we focus on incorporating simple details into the textures and materials of the 3D models. This includes features like wear and tear and color variations on the facades, as well as dirt and debris on the buildings. While these details may not immediately catch the eye, they subtly contribute to a realistic perception.

Furthermore, the landscaping around the building is also crucial. Therefore, we place special emphasis on green spaces and parks in Tramau to provide a pleasant environment. Directly opposite the Weber Theater is a large park dedicated to composer Anna von Weber, serving as a green oasis in the heart of the city.



CTS: Tram will be released in 2024, and we look forward to sharing these exciting developments with our community. Stay tuned for more in-depth insights into the development process, exclusive features, and exciting updates. Engage in discussions on our Steam Forum, Discord Server, and explore our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook).

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https://store.steampowered.com/app/2604480/City_Transport_Simulator_Tram/

Welcome to the latest Pic of the Week! Today, we take an in-depth look at the Tramau Central Station, a pivotal hub in the city's history and urban transport system.



Opened in 1872, the Tramau Central Station marked a milestone in the city's development. Connecting to various parts of Germany, it not only spurred economic growth but also attracted tourists to the city. The station quickly became the new focal point of the old town and continues to play a significant role in urban life today.


The Tramau Central Station is more than just a railway station; it's a multifunctional transport hub. Here, trains, trams, buses, and taxis converge, offering residents convenient mobility and facilitating access to other cities and regions. Adjacent to the station, a picturesque park with a fountain invites relaxation, while food stalls offer a variety of culinary delights, from pizza and kebabs to shawarma.



[h2]Collaboration with Deutsche Bahn[/h2]

Special thanks to Deutsche Bahn for allowing us to use their logo for the Tramau Central Station. This collaboration adds authenticity to both the station and the city overall. We have made an effort to collaborate with multiple German brands to give Tramau a realistic ambiance that reflects its German context.



[h2]Architectural Design[/h2]


For the construction of the station's forecourt, we drew inspiration from the Floridsdorf Station in Vienna, ensuring that the distinctive building of the Central Station is immediately recognizable. Located in the heart of Tramau, the station is surrounded by historical landmarks such as the cathedral and a ring of charming squares and buildings.



[h2]Functional Details[/h2]

Interestingly, the clock you see at the top of the Central Station actually works and displays the in-game time. These small details enhance the game's immersion and make the experience even more realistic.



CTS: Tram will be released in 2024, and we are excited to share these exciting developments with our community. Stay tuned for more insights into the development process, exclusive features, and exciting updates. Join the discussion on our Steam Forum, Discord Server, and explore our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook).

Sign up for the CTS: Tram newsletter to receive exclusive insights, background information, and much more – click here to join our mailing list!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2604480/City_Transport_Simulator_Tram/

Welcome to the latest 'Pic of the Week' for City Transport Simulator: Tram! This week, we're taking a closer look at the tram stop signs that define the cityscape of Tramau.





Designing the tram stop signs was an exciting challenge for our development team. We opted for the familiar 'ViewApp Green,' which we've used consistently across our games. The signs themselves were inspired by modern tram stop signage, characterized by clean lines and an appealing aesthetic.

To keep the tram stop signs as sleek as possible, we decided to separate the Passenger Information Systems (FGI) from the signs themselves. However, we'll delve into FGI systems in a future Pic of the Week.

[h2]Dynamic Displays[/h2]

Previously, our signs and displays were static, as players had no means to customize their own routes and schedules. In CTS: Tram, this is now possible, requiring us to find a solution that dynamically adapts to the routes you create. Even adjusting the tram operator's details, including the logo, had to be dynamically controlled.



[h2]Legal Hurdles[/h2]

Originally, our tram stop signs had a different design until we encountered a legal issue. We discovered that the signs did not comply with german legal requirements, as the tram stop 'H' had to be on a white background. After extensive research, we found that Dresden had to change all its tram stop signs in the summer of 2023 to meet these requirements. According to the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) Appendix 2 (to § 41 Paragraph 1) Section 4 No. 14, Sign 224, a white panel is required.

We opted for this adjustment because although Tramau is a fictional city, it is still located in Germany. Therefore, it's important for us to adhere to all legal regulations to make Tramau as realistic and vibrant as possible.



CTS: Tram will be released in 2024, and we're excited to share these exciting developments with our community. Stay tuned for more insights into the development process, exclusive features, and thrilling updates. Join the discussion on our Steam Forum, Discord Server, and explore our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook).

Sign up for the CTS: Tram newsletter to receive exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes content, and much more – click here to join our mailing list!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2604480/City_Transport_Simulator_Tram/

Welcome to the latest 'Pic of the Week' for City Transport Simulator: Tram! This week, we're taking a closer look at the Central Control Unit (ZSG) of the ULF tram.





The ZSG is a crucial element in the ULF tram, helping the driver to operate safely and monitor various systems of the tram. One of the important functions of the ZSG is to prevent unauthorized departure. For example, it can prevent the tram from moving if the door release is activated in a station and the driver forgets to clear it.

[h2]Energy-Efficient Driving[/h2]

The ZSG of the ULF tram also indicates to the driver how energy-efficient their driving is. When the driver leaves the lever of the tram in a neutral position, the tram only rolls and consumes less power. The percentage displayed on the screen shows the average energy savings during the journey, while the blue bar provides additional motivation for the driver to drive as energy-efficiently as possible. This feature was actually integrated into the tram to encourage drivers to maintain an efficient driving style.



[h2]Game Implementation[/h2]

We have made efforts to integrate the ZSG as accurately as possible into CTS: Tram. However, the ZSG only displays error messages in German, which can be a challenge for some players. Additionally, each vehicle has a different solution from the tram manufacturers, as mentioned earlier.

Therefore, we have implemented an additional help option in the form of hints & tips in the game. These hints are displayed in the HUD during the session and provide players with dynamic support when the game detects that they are stuck, for example, with the door release or when upgrading a tram. Of course, players have the option to turn off these tips at any time.



CTS: Tram will be released in 2024, and we look forward to sharing these exciting developments with our community. Stay tuned for more in-depth insights into the development process, exclusive features, and exciting updates. Join the discussion on our Steam Forum, Discord Server, and explore our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook).

Sign up for the CTS: Tram newsletter, where we share exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes content, and much more – click here to join our mailing list!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2604480/City_Transport_Simulator_Tram/