The Bus News

[h2]Introduction[/h2][p]Welcome to DevLog 1. In this entry, we are looking at a system that runs in the background but is very important for how The Bus feels to drive: the compressed air system of the buses.[/p][p]Over the past weeks, we have developed a new, custom pneumatic system that replaces the previous simplified calculations and is intended to bring the simulation much closer to reality.[/p][p]As always, everything shown here is still in development and may change before release.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]New compressed air system[/h2][p]Recently, we have been working on a new, custom pneumatic system that handles the compressed air calculations for the buses. Until now, these calculations in the game were rather rough and heavily simplified. With the new system, we now simulate an actual mass flow of air through pipes and individual components.[/p][p]Air flow is calculated more accurately using different physical formulas for various flow regimes, including laminar flow, subcritical turbulent flow, and supercritical turbulent flow. The system is fully modular: individual components can be freely combined and configured, and it is designed so that it can become interesting and extendable for modding in the future.[/p][p]We primarily expect this to result in a much more accurate simulation of brake behaviour and suspension. It is also planned that the sounds will react dynamically to the pneumatic system, so that air noises are more directly tied to the actual system state.[/p][p][/p][h2]Setup in the editor[/h2][p]To be able to use this system effectively, we have created a visual editor inside the engine. There, we represent the different circuits and components of the air system as a graph and can configure the entire setup in a clear way.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Here you can see the brake circuits recreated in the editor. Circuit 1 and 2 are responsible for the main service brake system on the front and rear axles. Circuit 3 handles the parking brake, and Circuit 4 supplies ABS, ASR, and other consumers such as suspension and doors.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In the editor, the required components can then be added freely and connected to each other.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]After that, they can be configured in detail, allowing us to adjust the setup depending on the bus type or system requirements without having to reprogram everything from scratch.[/p][p]For the moment, the new editor is used exclusively for the pneumatic system. However, the idea is to later configure the entire drivetrain of the buses through this editor as well.[/p][p][/p][h2]Live data and impact in game[/h2][p]During PlayInEditor, all live data of the system is displayed for debugging. This allows us to monitor compressed air and, in some cases, the resulting forces in all parts of the system in real time. We can see immediately how changes in the setup affect the behaviour of the bus and fine-tune the system accordingly.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In game, this should mainly result in more precise braking behaviour and a more believable suspension response.[/p][p]Even though the new editor is currently only used for the compressed air system, it is intended as a tool for many future systems. With this DevLog, we have taken the first step. In future DevLogs, we will cover more topics from development and keep you updated on our progress. Thank you for following The Bus so closely![/p]

[p][/p][p]With the free route expansions around the new lines 7 and 277, the branch to the Alsterdorf depot, and the extension of line 17 to the Berne underground station, the Hamburg DLC continues to grow steadily.[/p][p]In addition to the map expansion, additional features and optimizations are also planned. At the top of the list is the integration of AI buses on the already existing lines.[/p][p][/p][p]But that’s not all: There is also news regarding the repaints.[/p][p]Be You. Be Us. – A statement for the city[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Under the motto Be You. Be Us., Hamburger Hochbahn not only actively recruits new employees, but the slogan also stands for diversity, respect, and solidarity.[/p][p]With around 6,600 employees, Hochbahn is one of the largest employers in northern Germany and offers a wide range of job opportunities with over 100 different professional fields.
If you want to learn more about the initiative, you can find additional information on the linked Hochbahn website.[/p][p][/p][p]Authentic implementation in the game[/p][p]To ensure this look also leaves an authentic impression in the game, several fitting bus repaints were created for the DLC. [/p][p]The advertisement was applied to all bus models currently available in The Bus, including vehicles that are not used in real Hamburg city traffic. This creates a uniform and cohesive cityscape, regardless of which bus type players choose.[/p][p]Attentive fans may have already noticed: The campaign can already be seen as a poster in the game at Barmbek station.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Release of the repaints [/p][p]The new repaints will be released with one of the upcoming updates for The Bus – Hamburg City DLC.[/p][p]Special thanks go to Funky_HD, who created these repaints with great care and attention to detail.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Best regards,
The Halycon Media development team[/p][p][/p][p]Link: Hochbahn[/p]

[h2]Welcome to Our New DevLog Format[/h2][p]With DevLog 0, we’re launching a new way to share more regular insights into our ongoing work. Many of you have asked for more detailed information on current topics, and this format is designed to provide exactly that.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]What Is a DevLog?[/h2][p]A DevLog is a development report in which we highlight specific areas and explain certain processes in more detail. This includes technical backgrounds, early implementations, new features, tools we use internally, or broader workflows that usually remain unseen.[/p][p][/p][h2]What We Will Show You[/h2][p]In the upcoming entries, each DevLog will focus on a specific topic. This can be early systems, prototypes, optimizations, new content, or visual improvements. Our goal is to explain what we are working on, why certain steps take time, and how individual elements grow over time.[/p][p]Everything shown in a DevLog is still work in progress. Nothing you see here represents the final version and all content is subject to change. These updates are meant to give you a current impression, not a finished result.[/p][p][/p][h2]What Comes Next[/h2][p]DevLog 1 will feature the first in-depth topic from our production pipeline. We’re looking forward to taking you along with us, providing more transparency, and including your questions and feedback in future entries.[/p]

[p]We’re excited to welcome Maurice as the new Community Manager at TML-Studios. Some of you may already know him, others not yet, but that’s about to change.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]From now on, Maurice will take care of all questions, feedback, and concerns from the community and is always happy to have a friendly chat. He will act as the link between the TML-Studios team and the community, making sure your feedback reaches the right people.[/p][p]He’ll be keeping an eye on everything in both German and English so that every voice in the community is heard. You’ll find him active on Steam, Discord, and our social media channels, where he’ll be available to assist and connect with you.[/p][p]In the coming weeks, you can look forward to several updates and improvements, both visually and content-wise. Maurice is looking forward to hearing from you and getting to know everyone![/p][p][/p][h2]Join our Discord![/h2][p]If you’d like to meet Maurice directly, join our Discord! He’s active there, ready to answer your questions, and looking forward to chatting with you.[/p][p]Not part of our community yet? Then come and join our official Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/tml-studios-224563159631921152[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h2]The Bus launches in Q1 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S! 🚍[/h2][h3]Berlin is calling![/h3][p]In The Bus, you take the driver’s seat in a detailed city bus simulation and experience public transport in Germany’s capital like never before. Drive modern, officially licensed city buses and transport passengers on faithfully recreated routes across a realistic 1:1 scale map of Berlin – from Alexanderplatz to the Brandenburg Gate.[/p][p]Experience everyday operations in dense city traffic, with dynamic weather and different times of day and seasons. Since the start of Early Access, The Bus has continuously evolved – with new features, vehicles, and technical improvements that make the simulation more immersive than ever.[/p][p]As development continues, the official release is approaching in Q1 2026 – coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Soon, even more players will be able to experience Berlin’s public transport from the driver’s perspective.[/p][p]📅 More information coming soon – stay tuned![/p]