The ULF Type B in City Transport Simulator 2026 is the full-length, seven-section low-floor tram originally introduced to the game via the Vienna Expansion. Recreated after the iconic Wiener Linien fleet, this ultra-low-floor model provides the highest passenger capacity among the first-generation ULF vehicles, handling the heavy commuter traffic of Vienna's Line 37 and Line 38.
Understanding its specific technical features, cab setup, and handling characteristics is essential for navigating tight city switches, sharp turns, and hilly gradients across the Austrian capital.
Technical Specifications: ULF Type B vs. ULF Type A
The first-generation ULF (Ultra Low Floor) trams arrive in two variants within the Vienna Expansion: the long ULF Type B and the compact ULF Type A. Both operate with an identical top speed of 70 km/h, but their car segments, motor outputs, and passenger capacities differ significantly.
| Specification | ULF Type B (First Generation) | ULF Type A (First Generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Length | Approximately 35.5 meters | Approximately 24.2 meters |
| Car Modules | 7 segments | 5 segments |
| Seating Capacity | 56 seats | 42 seats |
| Standing Capacity | 157 passengers | 94 passengers |
| Total Passenger Capacity | 213 passengers | 136 passengers |
| Top Speed | 70 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Powertrain | 8x 80 kW water-cooled motors | 6x 80 kW water-cooled motors |
| Cooling Method | Water-cooled | Water-cooled |
| Passenger Ventilation | 5 sliding windows per module, no AC | 5 sliding windows per module, no AC |
| Included DLC / Availability | Vienna Expansion / Vienna Edition | Vienna Expansion / Vienna Edition |
Because of its 35.5-meter length, the ULF Type B requires extra care when pulling into stops or approaching junctions. Pulling too close behind a preceding vehicle at tight track switches, such as the approach near Schottentor or Spitalgasse, can prevent switch points from toggling properly.
Generational Differences: First-Gen ULF B vs. Newer ULF B1
It is vital not to confuse the Vienna Expansion's original ULF Type B with the newer-generation ULF Type B1 present in the base game. ViewApp modeled distinct structural, visual, and operational differences between the two production generations.
- Exterior Lighting: The original ULF B features rectangular front turn signals, rectangular rear lights, and headlights mounted toward the center of the front fascia. The newer B1 features round indicators, round rear lights, and headlights pushed outward toward the sides.
- Motors and Cooling: The original ULF B runs eight 80 kW water-cooled traction motors. The B1 variant uses smaller 35 kW air-cooled motors.
- Interior Styling: The original ULF B sports white interior wall paneling, gray handrails, and lighting strips positioned along the interior sides. In contrast, the B1 interior has gray wall paneling, yellow grab rails, and central ceiling lighting.
- Air Conditioning and Windows: The older ULF B lacks passenger air conditioning, relying instead on five operable sliding windows per segment and airflow intake gills. The B1 includes dedicated passenger air conditioning and only one sliding window per segment.
- Cab Displays & IBIS: The ULF B cab is equipped with the older B1690 IBIS unit paired with a monochrome driver display. The B1 uses the upgraded B2063d IBIS unit with a full-color multi-function display. The B1 also features a dedicated coasting-percentage indicator to encourage energy-efficient coasting, a feature absent on the older ULF B.
- Acoustics and Braking Behavior: The ULF B features distinct original switch and contactor clicks in the driver's cab, unique motor whine, and revised brake-holding behavior compared to the B1.
Driving the ULF Type B in Vienna
In the Vienna Expansion, the ULF Type B runs along the shared central trunk starting at the Schottentor underground turning loop before branching onto two distinct lines:
- Line 37 (Schottentor ↔ Hohe Warte): Travels past embassies and museums through Döbling up to the single-track turning loop at Hohe Warte.
- Line 38 (Schottentor ↔ Grinzing): Runs 5.34 km across 15 stops through Nußdorfer Straße, Oberdöbling, and Paradisgasse into the hilly suburb of Grinzing, famous for its traditional Heuriger wine taverns.
Hill Climbs and Grade Handling
Unlike the fictional, flatter terrain of Tramau, the Vienna routes feature sustained inclines, particularly between An den langen Lüssen and Grinzing on Line 38. When halting on an uphill section, the ULF Type B will roll backward if the brake is released without sufficient power applied. When departing uphill stops, throttle must be applied deliberately before disengaging brakes to keep the 35.5-meter tram moving forward smoothly.
Signals and Switch Requests
Along the street-running sectors and outer loops, signal detection is required at designated stops such as Hohe Warte. Drivers must press the cabin signal request button (Button 1 on the console interface) to trigger route clearance, avoiding prolonged waits at traffic intersections.
Passenger Boarding and Door Release
With 213 total passenger spots, managing boarding clearance is critical to keeping timetables on Line 38. You can clear doors using the automated door release, but passengers rushing through the optical light barriers will repeatedly reset the closing sequence. In Update 26.2.0 and later, drivers can skip stops where no passengers are waiting and no onboard stop requests have been made, allowing delayed runs to recover time.
How to Get the ULF Type B
The ULF Type B is not available in the base game alone. It can be acquired through specific packages on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S:
- Vienna Expansion (€49.99): Designed for existing owners of City Transport Simulator 2026. Includes the Vienna map (Line 37, Line 38, Bus Line 35A, Night Bus N35, Remise Gürtel depot), ULF Type A, ULF Type B, and the Viennese C2/C2G buses.
- City Transport Simulator 2026 – Vienna Edition (€69.99): Designed for newcomers. Combines the base game (Tramau map and initial fleet) with the complete Vienna Expansion.
- CTS 2026 Season Pass (€64.99): Automatically includes the Vienna Expansion, Citybus C2 pack, exclusive C2K bonus bus, Tatra KT4D, and the Flexity Graz DLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate the ULF Type B on fictional routes in Tramau?
In Sandbox Mode, vehicles unlocked in expansions can be driven freely across compatible lines. However, route creation tools and custom line building are restricted to Tramau, as the real-world Vienna network operates strictly on fixed, authentic timetables.
Does the ULF Type B include passenger air conditioning?
No. The first-generation ULF A and ULF B trams do not feature passenger air conditioning in their historical configuration. They rely on roof ventilation gills and five sliding windows per car module. Passenger air conditioning is only present on the newer-generation ULF A1 and B1 models.
How do I trigger special announcements on the Vienna IBIS?
Starting in Update 26.2.0, vehicles using the Vienna IBIS system can trigger manual special announcements by pressing Button 3 on the IBIS keypad. PC players can additionally place custom audio files inside the game's Announcements directory.
