City Transport Simulator 2026 route planning centers on the in-game Line Editor and Timetable Generator. The system allows you to build custom bus and tram lines across the fictional German-inspired city of Tramau, connecting over 80 stations along 50+ kilometers of track and road. Following post-launch patches—including updates v2026.0.3 and 26.2.0—the route editor also supports closed circular routes, express patterns that skip intermediate stops, and operational adjustments like passing empty stops.
Whether you are expanding a transit fleet in Career Mode or designing sandbox layouts, here is how the route creation mechanics work and how to handle map restrictions.
Core Route Planning Tools in the Line Editor
The network design in the base game revolves around connecting platforms, setting timetables, and assigning vehicles to serve passengers:
- Station Selection: Open the Line Editor and pick your origin station and platform. Buses and trams can have different platform numbers at the same physical stop.
- Path Connecting: Add sequential stations to define your line. The built-in pathfinding routes the track or road segments between consecutive points.
- Circular Loops: As of update v2026.0.3, the Line Editor supports circular routes. You can link your final stop back to your starting station, prompting the editor message that the line is looping and complete.
- Fleet Assignment: Assign vehicles from your owned fleet to calculate expected line happiness (rated up to 5.0) and schedule frequency.
- Timetable Generator: The system automatically schedules AI drivers along your planned intervals, letting you jump into the driver seat or take over vehicles in Free Roam at will.
Line Types and Mechanics
Update 26.2.0 added key features for route diversity and operational pacing:
| Route Feature | Added In | Operational Mechanic | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circular Routes | Update v2026.0.3 | Lines start and end at the exact same platform | Enables closed ring operations without deadheading |
| Express Lines | Update 26.2.0 | Select specific intermediate stops on a route to skip | Creates faster services with shorter journey times |
| Stop Skipping | Update 26.2.0 | Bypasses scheduled stops if no passengers want on or off | Helps drivers recover lost timetable minutes |
| Separate Platforms | Update v2026.0.3 | Distinct numbering for tram and bus bays at shared stops | Prevents congestion when tram and bus lines overlap |
Managing Line Capacity and Delays
When assigning vehicles to your custom lines in Career or Sandbox modes, watch for several mechanical quirks reported in the editor:
- Capacity Ratings vs. Passenger Visuals: The game calculates route happiness based on vehicle capacity. Player testing shows that upgrading a route from 12-meter rigid buses to articulated models can increase line happiness (for instance, from 3.2 to 4.0 out of 5.0), even if physical crowds at stops appear small.
- Vehicle Requirement Loops: Lengthening a route or increasing frequency raises the number of vehicles required to maintain the timetable. If your fleet lacks sufficient buses or trams, the schedule will rack up delays.
- Intersection Hotspots: Dense traffic hubs—such as Hauptbahnhof or intersections near Toriyama Allee—can become choked by crossing AI routes. If custom routes register delays of 30 to 40+ minutes, simplify the line's pathing through busy junctions.
- Point and Credit Budgets: In Career Mode, planning lines and acquiring fleet additions both draw from earned progression points. Players hit a cap at Level 50, requiring careful balancing between active routes and new vehicle purchases.
Route Creation Differences: Tramau vs. Vienna
Route design depends heavily on which map you are playing:
- Tramau (Base Game): Offers complete freedom. You can build up to 15 custom lines simultaneously or use pre-made routes across the city center, old towns, and suburbs.
- Vienna (Expansion DLC): Unlike Tramau, the Vienna Expansion does not permit custom route creation. Because it is a realistic 1:1 recreation featuring over 1,000 modeled buildings and real-world track infrastructure, you must follow the fixed historic routes:
- Tram Line 37: Schottentor to Hohe Warte
- Tram Line 38: Schottentor to Grinzing
- Bus Line 35A / N35: Spittelau to Salmannsdorf
- Vehicle Flexibility in Vienna: While you cannot lay down new paths in Vienna, the game allows vehicle mixing. You can run any bus or tram model—such as the Tatra KT4D, StadtRegioTram, or standard C2—along Vienna’s predefined routes and timetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create custom lines in the Vienna DLC?
No. The developer confirmed that custom line creation is disabled in Vienna because the map is built around fixed real-world turning loops and streets. Custom line planning is exclusive to the fictional map of Tramau.
How do I fix tram track switching errors on custom routes?
Trams use automated transponders and manual throwing levers. If you disable the navigation HUD or take over a vehicle, ensure your line code and destination are entered correctly into the IBIS device. If you pass an automatic switch receiver without it detecting your turn, you can stop, step outside, and throw the switch manually using the lever.
What should I do if an express line does not detect the terminus?
Some players have reported an issue where express buses skipping multiple stops fail to register the final terminus. If this occurs on your custom express layout, report the bug with your route stops via the official ViewApp community Discord support ticket system, or add an intermediate stop back into the pattern.
