The Bus News

[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]

[p][/p][p]Phase 3 of The Bus Early Access remains in active development.[/p][p]Some planned features have already been completed, while others are still in progress and undergoing testing.[/p][p]Here’s an overview of the current situation.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]Already in the Game[/h3]

• [p]Solaris Urbino IV Electric[/p]
• [p]Bus Line 147[/p]
• [p]New NPC Models[/p]
• [p]AI Buses[/p]
• [p]Standing Passengers[/p]

[p]These additions bring more life and variety to the Berlin simulation experience.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]Currently in Development[/h3]

• [p]Economy System (Company, Vehicles, Staff, Repair Shop, Ticket Sales)[/p]
• [p]Performance Improvements[/p]
• [p]Physics Enhancements[/p]
• [p]Audio Overhaul[/p]
• [p]Bugfixes and Polishing[/p]
• [p]Vehicle Modding[/p]

[p]The team is working intensively on completing the economy system and on further technical improvements that will form the foundation for upcoming updates.[/p][p]In addition, we are currently working on a comprehensive overhaul of the lighting system to further enhance the game’s atmosphere and visual quality.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]You can view the complete overview of all phases and planned features of The Bus anytime on our official roadmap:
👉 The Bus – Early Access Roadmap on Trello[/p][p]There you can track what has already been released, what’s currently in development, and what’s planned for upcoming updates.[/p][p]The Bus keeps progressing toward its full release, step by step.[/p][p]Thank you for your ongoing support and feedback.[/p]

[h3]The Bus DLC – Hamburg City with dynamic in-game advertising along the routes[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Anyone who’s driven through Hamburg knows it well: the countless advertising spaces lining the streets. From walls and pillars to banners — ads are simply part of the city’s character.[/p][p]With one of the upcoming free updates for the The Bus DLC – Hamburg City, a brand-new feature is on the way:
In the Line 17 extension, you’ll soon spot changing advertising banners on building facades for the first time![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]New Route – New Impressions[/p][p]Line 17 is being gradually extended all the way to its final stop, Berne.
The next construction phase reaches Bramfelder Dorfplatz, where buses will soon be able to turn around.
The route from Barmbek Station to this point covers about five kilometers — perfect for shorter runs or a quick turnaround, just like in the real HVV network.[/p][p]A real highlight of this new section is the Marktplatz Galerie shopping center, recreated in detail for the DLC.
Opened in 2011, the mall features around 60 shops, cafés, and services — and now it will also play a special visual role in the game.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]Advertising That Reflects Real Time[/p][p]On the front of the Marktplatz Galerie, you’ll soon see large, changing ad banners that automatically adapt to the current month and season — showing ongoing promotions, local markets, or events at the mall.[/p][p]So don’t be surprised if your next drive takes you past a banner announcing the Christmas market, Easter fair, or a big weekend sale.
It’s a small but powerful detail that makes virtual Hamburg feel even more alive.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]What’s Next?[/p][p]Before Line 17 is fully completed, new lines 7 and 277, as well as the Alsterdorf depot branch, will also be added — all as free updates.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]Stay Updated[/p][p]Follow us on Facebook, subscribe to our newsletter, or even better — join our Telegram channel for instant updates right on your phone![/p][p]Enjoy your time driving through virtual Hamburg! 🚍💙[/p]