The Bus News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Most Steam reviews praise the attention to detail and the high quality of our first The Bus DLC – Hamburg City.
First of all, a heartfelt thank you to the community![/p][p]Of course, there has also been feedback regarding the content scope – and this is exactly where we want to be transparent with a roadmap to show what’s coming next. There’s no stagnation in sight for the Hamburg DLC.[/p][p][/p][p]As previously announced, the map will be expanded northwards with Line 7.
But that’s just the beginning: next up are Line 277, a detour to the Alsterdorf Depot, and finally the entire Line 17 up to the U-Bahn station Berne![/p][p]All expansions will be released gradually in free updates.
In addition, new features will be integrated into the main game by TML, such as AI buses, a planned economy system, and more options for AI traffic and pedestrians.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Roadmap – As of September 12, 2025[/h2][p] [/p][h3]1. Line 7[/h3]

• [p]From U+S Barmbek to Steilshoop (Borchertring)[/p]

• [p]Objects placed, road construction in progress, finishing touches to follow[/p]

• [p]Length: approx. 4.2 km[/p]

[h3]2. Line 277[/h3]

• [p]From U+S Barmbek to Ruwoldtweg[/p]

• [p]90% of objects placed, road construction starting soon[/p]

• [p]Length: approx. 4.6 km[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]3. Alsterdorf Depot[/h3]

• [p]From Steilshooper Allee to Tessenowweg[/p]

• [p]Objects placed, depot buildings and halls still missing[/p]

• [p]Road construction after Line 7 is completed[/p]

• [p]Length: approx. 1.2 km[/p]

[h3]4. Line 17 – Section 1[/h3]

• [p]Barmbek → Richeystraße → Line 7/277 intersection[/p]

• [p]Half of the buildings placed[/p]

• [p]Road construction after previous sections[/p]

• [p]Length: approx. 2 km[/p]

[h3]5. Line 17 – Section 2[/h3]

• [p]Richeystraße/Steilshooper Allee → Bramfelder Dorfplatz[/p]

• [p]Key objects in progress (Osterkirche, Marktplatz Gallery, historic gas station)[/p]

• [p]Road construction to start later[/p]

• [p]Length: approx. 4.6 km[/p]

[h3]6. Line 17 – Section 3[/h3]

• [p]Bramfelder Dorfplatz → Karlshöhe[/p]

• [p]Blueprints for numerous residential buildings completed[/p]

• [p]Notable objects (residential estates) still in progress[/p]

• [p]Length: approx. 3 km[/p]

[h3]7. Line 17 – Section 4[/h3]

• [p]Karlshöhe → U-Bahn Berne[/p]

• [p]Route survey completed, objects in planning (Berne manor, station building, commercial row)[/p]

• [p]Road construction after previous sections[/p]

• [p]Length: approx. 2.5 km[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Outlook[/h3][p]The roadmap shows the planned sequence, implemented in stages through free updates.[/p][p]We cannot provide exact timelines, and details may change during development. One thing is certain: we are far from finished and will continue to expand the Hamburg DLC steadily.[/p][p]Stay up to date[/p][p]Follow us on Facebook, subscribe to the newsletter, or get updates even faster via our Telegram channel directly on your smartphone.[/p][p][/p][p]Enjoy exploring virtual Hamburg![/p]

[p][/p][h3][/h3][h3]Today it’s time for a new episode of SimDevLive! [/h3][p][/p][p]This week we’re covering one of the most requested topics: The Economy System in The Bus. [/p][p][/p][p]Tom & René will present all the details live at 4:00 PM CEST. [/p][p]Don’t miss the chance to get first-hand insights from our developers! [/p][p][/p][p]Stream starting shortly![/p]

[p]While one part of the development team continues working on the already released lines 6 and 17 — addressing community feedback and adding new features like AI buses — another part is focusing on the northern expansion.[/p][p][/p][p]The new line 7 runs from Barmbek station towards Steilshoop. Along the way, it shows many faces of the city: from Barmbek’s lively center with shops and restaurants, through commercial areas, to the distinctive high-rise buildings in Steilshoop. Despite the dense urban development, the district is surprisingly green and varied.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Many new buildings are being created as individual 3D models. Highlights include the Catholic Church of St. Johannis on Gründgensstraße, the Emil-Krause School near Habichtstraße subway station, and modern single-family homes near the Borchertring terminus. Of course, the typical four-story red brick apartment buildings are also included.[/p][p][/p][p]Particularly charming are the allotment gardens with wooden garden sheds, which have not appeared in the Hamburg DLC before. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]A new line means more than just new buildings. It also brings new streets, pathways, markings, traffic signs, and countless small details. While one part of the team focuses on buildings, another works on roads, sidewalks, curbs, and traffic rules. After that comes vegetation, lighting, and many tiny objects that are hardly noticed but are crucial for the atmosphere.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]The images in this news post give a first impression of the current progress. Many buildings are already placed but will be further refined and aligned correctly. Some screenshots also show maps from the State Survey Office (Geoportal), which allow us to achieve almost centimeter-accurate placement. [/p][p]Please note: this is development material and will continue to be expanded.[/p][p]
[/p][p]If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback about The Bus DLC Hamburg City, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to hear from you![/p][p]Stay up to date:[/p]

• [p]Follow us on Facebook[/p]
• [p]Subscribe to our newsletter[/p]
• [p]Or get updates even faster via our Telegram channel with push notifications straight to your smartphone[/p]

[p][/p][p]We hope you continue to enjoy exploring virtual Hamburg![/p]

[p]The new version of the popular The Bus DLC Hamburg City is now available on Steam![/p][p]
A huge thank you to our community—many of your suggestions and requests have been included in this update.[/p][p]Of course, not everything can be implemented right away. Adjustments to bus mods are still limited, as there isn’t a usable vehicle editor yet.
New buses aren’t part of the Hamburg DLC itself, since in The Bus, vehicles and maps are separate content.
However, Steam bundles that combine both could be possible in the future.[/p][p][/p][h3]What’s new in this version?[/h3][p]The most noticeable change is the many new Hamburg lamps and streetlights.
Over ten new variants have been added, from whip lights in different shapes to double masts with spotlights and new lighting on traffic islands.
This makes Hamburg’s streets even more atmospheric at night. Check out the comparison images of old vs. new lighting in this news post.[/p][p]Announcements have also been expanded and refined, for example at terminal stops and transfer points.
Plus, new city details have been added, like the blue crane in front of the Museum of Work in Barmbek. Even if the bus doesn’t pass directly by, it adds to the authentic atmosphere.
Timetables and fleet files have been updated, and some objects now have improved collision detection.[/p][p][/p][h3]Looking ahead[/h3][p]We’re already working on more features, including AI buses on lines 6 and 17, which are currently being tested in the base game.
The northern route extension with line 7 is also in progress, and we’ll share more details soon. The updated lighting will, of course, be included on this new section as well.[/p][p][/p][h3]Changelog[/h3]

• [p]New Hamburg lamps and streetlights[/p]
• [p]Added announcements for transfer points[/p]
• [p]English announcements added at the main station[/p]
• [p]Travel times from depot to starting stop adjusted[/p]
• [p]Fleet file updates[/p]
• [p]Improved collision detection for objects[/p]
• [p]New objects, e.g., historic crane at the Museum of Work in Barmbek[/p]
• [p]Corrections to terminal stop announcements[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Steam Update[/h3][p]The update will be delivered automatically via Steam. Depending on your settings, it may download immediately or later.
If you don’t want to wait, you can start the download manually by clicking the button next to the entry in the Steam client.
New players will, of course, receive the latest version right away.[/p][p][/p][h3]Stay connected[/h3][p]Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date. Even faster, join our Telegram channel for instant push notifications straight to your smartphone.[/p][p][/p][p]Enjoy your time in virtual Hamburg![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]During the gamescom, we’re giving you 25% off The Bus from August 20 to 27![/p][p][/p][p]Have fun and see you at our booth in Hall 9 😊[/p]