City Transport Simulator News

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/

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/