City Transport Simulator News

Welcome to Pic of the Week #20! Today, we take a closer look at the intersections in City Transport Simulator: Tram and reveal the challenges and solutions we encountered during their implementation.





In Tramau, there are numerous intersections, and for good reason. Our goal with CTS: Tram is to provide a flexible network that offers many options for designing routes. Intersections allow for branching lines, creating a variety of different routes. However, integrating these intersections was no easy task and required extensive planning and adjustments.

[h2]Challenges of Switches[/h2]
One of the biggest challenges was accommodating the different requirements of various vehicle types. In particular, we needed to find a solution to allow trams, which can only choose between left and right, to turn in different directions. While the ULF and the StadtRegioTram have three direction options in the IBIS (left, right, straight), the R2.2b only has the option for left and right.



To solve the intersection problem, we used two consecutive switches. The first switch allows the vehicle to go straight or turn right, while the second switch provides the option to go straight or turn left.



This configuration allows trams that want to go straight to choose left and then right. For a left turn, a tram selects the left direction twice, and for a right turn, it only needs to pass through one switch. These adjustments enable the R2.2b from Munich to now travel in three different directions.



[h2]Improved Control[/h2]

Another significant enhancement was the implementation of key bindings for the switch controls, both on the keyboard and controller. This improvement will greatly facilitate the efficient use of the switch controls.



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'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 the nineteenth Pic of the Week! Today, we're taking a closer look at the city of Tramau and sharing how we've managed to craft it into an authentic German city.





One of our key considerations was integrating well-known brands and stores that exist in the real world. In our previous games, we recreated real cities in photorealistic detail, benefiting from the panorama freedom laws. However, with Tramau being a fictional city, those laws no longer apply. Nevertheless, we were determined to include familiar German brands and stores.

[h2]Integration of Real Brands[/h2]

Securing licenses for these brands required significant organizational effort. Initially, we reached out to companies to explain the concept of CTS: Tram, which posed some challenges ("A fictional city, but with real brands?"). However, many companies quickly warmed up to the idea.



Subsequently, work began on creating 3D models and textures to incorporate these brands. It was crucial for us to maintain the authentic style of the brands and buildings. We requested reference material from the companies and conducted thorough online research. Some companies had specific guidelines for using their brand, which we respected.

[h2]The Result[/h2]

We've introduced Tegut as a grocery store and MediaMarkt and Saturn as electronic retailers, providing players with a diverse selection of familiar and varied shops.





Additionally, through our collaboration with the German Pharmacists Association, we've incorporated the "Apotheken-A" to accurately represent pharmacies in Tramau.



Beyond integrating stores and logos, we've added props to bring the city to life. Thanks to our partnership with the Deutsche Post and DHL, we've included not just a parcel shop but also parcel stations and a DHL transporter in Tramau.



We extend our gratitude to all the brands that granted us licenses. The selection showcased here represents just a fraction of the brands that will appear in the game. We're excited to reveal more of Tramau and breathe life into the city.

CTS: Tram is set to release in 2024, and we're eager to share these exciting developments with our community. Stay tuned for further 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, 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 the 18th Pic of the Week! Today, we're diving into the world of switches and exploring their crucial role in City Transport Simulator: Tram.



Switches are an essential component of the tram network, allowing trams to travel in different directions as needed. They are indispensable for the flexibility and efficiency of public transportation, enabling trams to adjust their routes according to demand.



[h2]Structure and Operation[/h2]

A typical switch consists of several components, starting with a marker just before the switch, marked by a yellow triangle in Tramau. This marker signals to the switch that a tram is approaching. Once detected, the switch communicates with the IBIS system and automatically adjusts according to the planned route.



However, in CTS: Tram, it will be possible to deactivate the automatic switch setting in the settings. This will require manually adjusting all switches, similar to the process in Munich.

[h2]The Switch Signal[/h2]

The switch signal provides all the necessary information to safely cross the switch. Arrows at the top of the signal indicate the direction of the switch - left, right, or straight ahead. When a tram passes the yellow marker, an X symbol on the switch signal indicates that the switch can no longer be electrically adjusted.



If the X symbol is already displayed because a tram is passing over the switch, you must wait until the X symbol is no longer displayed before crossing the marker. This ensures that trams traveling in different directions (left, right, or straight ahead) can safely pass.

[h2]Manual or Automatic Control[/h2]

Automatic switch control is enabled by default in CTS: Tram but can be disabled in the settings. In this case, switches can be manually controlled via the IBIS system or by exiting the tram and manually adjusting them with a switch iron.



CTS: Tram is set to release in 2024, and we're excited to share more details with you soon. Be sure to join our brand new Steam Forum, Discord server, and follow us on social media (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook). Share your thoughts and become part of the CTS: Tram community.

Sign up for the CTS: Tram newsletter, where we'll share exclusive insights and more - click here to join our mailing list!

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

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).

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 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).

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/