City Transport Simulator News

Welcome to the latest 'Pic of the Week' for City Transport Simulator: Tram! This time, let's take a closer look at a suburb of Tramau - Eglunsdorf.



Eglunsdorf, a suburb of Tramau, officially became part of the city in the mid-20th century. However, the close connection between Tramau and Eglunsdorf dates back even further. This merger was the result of years of collaboration between the two communities, characterized by shared economic interests and close social ties.



The relationship between Tramau and Eglunsdorf was closely tied to the industrial development of the region. Eglunsdorf was home to several significant factories that made a substantial contribution to Tramau's economy. With the opening of Tramau's main train station in 1872, a bustling commute between the two communities began, further strengthening their connection.

[h2]Expansion of the Tram Network![/h2]

However, integrating Eglunsdorf into Tramau was not without its challenges. Despite their proximity, numerous infrastructural and urban planning challenges had to be overcome. In the 1960s, it was decided to expand the tram network to Eglunsdorf, further advancing the suburb's integration into the city.



Today, Eglunsdorf is a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of quiet residential areas, small shops, and green spaces. The streets are lined with charming single-family homes and well-kept front yards, creating an inviting atmosphere. Yet, despite its idyllic setting, Eglunsdorf is also an important economic hub, hosting several significant businesses.

[h2]New Assets for the Suburb[/h2]

Designing Eglunsdorf was an exciting challenge for our development team. We wanted to ensure that the neighborhood not only functioned well but also felt authentic. Therefore, we created special assets such as single-family homes, garages, and front yards exclusively for Eglunsdorf to establish a unique atmosphere. The transition between suburb and downtown was achieved through strategic placement of intersections, wider streets, and other architectural features.



This quieter part of Tramau also serves as an introductory route for players diving into the world of CTS: Tram for the first time. Here, you can learn the basics of the game and familiarize yourself with operating the trams while exploring the tranquil streets of the Eglunsdorf suburb.

CTS: Tram will be released in 2024, and we're excited to share 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/

Welcome to the latest edition of our 'Pic of the Week' for City Transport Simulator: Tram! This week, we take a closer look at the overhead lines that shape the cityscape of Tramau.



Overhead lines are a crucial part of the tram network, allowing trams to receive power for their operation. They are not only functional but also characteristic of the cityscape. In developing these overhead lines, we delved deeply into real standards and details.



However, overhead lines alone are not enough to support the system. They need to be stabilized by tension wires, which hold them up and ensure a secure power transfer. These tension wires are attached to various structures such as streetlights, buildings, or specially erected masts. The level design team had to consider when and how tension wires should be placed during city planning. The result was hundreds of overhead lines and tension wires placed throughout the city.



[h2]The Perfect Touch[/h2]

At the same time, it's crucial that the tram's current collector always touches the overhead line. Depending on the gradient, slope, or underpasses, the height difference between the overhead line and the tram can change. Our vehicle and level design teams had to collaborate to find a solution that is dynamic and performant for both sides.



CTS: Tram will be released in 2024, and we're excited to share 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/

Welcome to the tenth edition of our 'Pic of the Week' for City Transport Simulator: Tram! Today, we take a closer look at the tram signals awaiting you in Tramau.



Trams have their own signaling systems, often quite distinct from signals for regular cars. While there are standards for tram signals in Germany, many cities have developed their own specific signals. Therefore, it was crucial for us to figure out which signals best fit our city. We mostly oriented ourselves around the signals in Munich, as we already had experience with them, but also made adjustments for Tramau.



Developing tram signals required the collaboration of all teams. Initially, the logic for the driving signals and switch signals had to be established. Especially for the switch signals, it was important to ensure they matched the current status of the switches and considered the planned route of the tram. This meant implementing triggers to automatically switch the route based on the selected line. Of course, it's also possible to operate the switches manually. The game also needs to recognize whether the signal was correctly passed, as this is important for earning EXP in Career Mode.

[h2]Adjusting Traffic Light Phases[/h2]

For the driving signals, we had to align them with the traffic light phases for cars to ensure they coordinate well with traffic. We aim for a realistic traffic light phase that is also entertaining and doesn't involve long waits for players to arrive on time.



The placement of signals in the city is another challenge. It's important to ensure that the signals are clearly visible inside the trams, regardless of the model being driven. The positioning therefore varies depending on the intersection and can be placed either to the right, above, or elsewhere. Sometimes, another signal in front is also necessary.

[h2]Additional Signals[/h2]

Currently, we're working on implementing dispatch signals and speed signals. Dispatch signals help determine the optimal time to leave the station to avoid unnecessary waits at intersections. Speed signals indicate how fast the tram should travel. These restrictions are displayed in the CTS: Tram HUD, but we also want to visualize them realistically in the city.



We want to emphasize that all signals in the game are explained in detail and interactively to ensure that players understand the system. In addition to an interactive tutorial, there will be a user manual that explains everything in detail and improves the game's accessibility.

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 in 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/

Welcome to the ninth edition of our 'Pic of the Week' for City Transport Simulator: Tram! In case you missed it last week: We officially unveiled the StadtRegioTram!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ARYsxeg9x3U?si=syj9xuMlroKy4Yi-





Today, we're taking a look back at the summer of 2023 when we had the incredible opportunity to visit Stern & Hafferl in Gmunden to explore their StadtRegioTram, capture videos and photos, and experience the vehicle firsthand. From research to recording original sounds for CTS: Tram.

[h2]The Journey to Vorchdorf[/h2]



The journey began early in the morning, as it took about 4 hours to travel from Vienna to the Vorchdorf train station, and our appointment was already at 9 am. After arriving in Lambach, Upper Austria, by S-Bahn, we took a beautiful train provided by Stern & Hafferl to the Vorchdorf station (Shoutout to our colleagues at Dovetail!)

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by a Stern & Hafferl staff member. After a brief introduction, we were invited to explore the interior of the tram. Each detail we discovered impressed us more than the last as we familiarized ourselves with every button and mode in the driver's cabin.

In the meantime, we began capturing pictures and videos of the passenger area, but the most challenging task was recording the sounds. Despite the scorching 36-degree heat, we had to turn off the air conditioning to capture authentic sounds. It was definitely one of the hottest days of the year, especially inside a tram that was fully exposed to the sun with all doors closed. But at least we could enjoy the beautiful view during the ride.



[h2]3D Scans as Assistance[/h2]

In addition to taking pictures and sounds, we also conducted a 3D scan of the interior to create a detailed model as a reference. Although the quality wasn't suitable for the game, it provided accurate measurements and dimensions, ensuring authenticity in our depiction.



[h2]Implementing the StadtRegioTram[/h2]

After capturing all the photos and sounds inside, we repeated the process for the exterior. We also went directly to the station to view the tram from above, ensuring accuracy in CTS: Tram. Afterwards, we received a tour of the station and workshop, where we got to see some truly beautiful and old vehicles. After nearly 4 hours of exploration, it was time to return. Working with Stern & Hafferl was truly a pleasure, and we left with a treasure trove of photos and videos.

Bringing a tram to life in CTS: Tram is no small task. It requires extensive research, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the vehicle's functionality. From creating precise 3D models and materials to ensuring that every button and feature works as intended, it's a task we're proud of.



CTS: Tram is set to release in 2024, and we're excited to share 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'll 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/

Welcome to this exclusive first look at things to come, which was part of Dovetail Games' Festival of Rail.

As you might already know, CTS: Tram is taking place in Tramau, our vision of a transit-friendly city inspired by cities in southern Germany.
Tramau's development includes a rich backstory dating back to the 11th century with the construction of the Tramau cathedral, giving it the feel of a real city.



On top of features like Day & Night Cycles and the ability to design your own liveries, City Transport Simulator: Tram offers different ways to play.

Immerse yourself in the day-to-day of a tram driver with career mode. Level up and spend your limited resources wisely to create your own lines, using various stations across the city.

Or would you like something more free-form? Try the Sandbox mode to create lines along the many stations in Tramau. Build the line network of your dreams, without resource limitations.

And if you're new to Tram simulation, don't worry! Easy Play Mode is perfect for beginners. It features simplified controls and provides frequent assistance to help you get started and familiarise yourself with the different trams.



Speaking of trams, CTS: Tram will feature various trams from Austria and Germany, like the slick ULF from Vienna and the classic R2.2b from Munich. These trams have been built completely from scratch specifically for CTS: Tram with great care for detail. And announced exclusively during the Dovetail Direct live stream, we're adding a third tram to our roster too.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Well, there it is, the StadtRegioTram from Gmunden in Austria. We worked directly with Stern & Hafferl to craft a highly realistic recreation for CTS: Tram using sounds directly recorded on location and hundreds of photographs used as reference material. We are looking forward to seeing you all take it for a ride along Tramau’s picturesque streets.

If you would like to learn more about City Transport Simulator: Tram, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok and join our Discord where we post regular updates, like the Pic Of The Week segment, highlighting different aspects of the game.

City Transport Simulator: Tram is now available to wishlist on Steam.