City Transport Simulator: Tram - Frequently Asked Questions

Hello everyone,

in this post you will find a list of frequently asked questions and their respective answers, provided by ViewApp.

Why Early Access?
We are offering CTS: Tram as Early Access because we believe that with input from our players, we can create the best gaming experience possible.

Early Access allows us to develop City Transport Simulator: Tram together with our community. This way, we can incorporate real player feedback into the development process and ensure that we make the tram simulation as realistic and exciting as possible. Our team values the opinions of players, and we believe that this collaborative process will significantly enhance the quality and gameplay of the game.

We have a comprehensive roadmap of features and improvements that we plan to implement in the coming months, which you can read about in the FAQ below. However, we want to develop the game based on continuous player feedback – with the ultimate goal of creating a game that we can all be proud of.

Our long-term vision for City Transport Simulator is to introduce additional modes of transport, maps, and modes over time. These will be added through new paid releases, DLCs, and expansions, and will be available separately after the full release of the game. Currently, our focus with CTS: Tram is on developing the game mechanics, urban infrastructure, and game atmosphere that we can build on in the future. Our primary goal is to create a fun, entertaining, and varied public transport simulator – with your feedback at the center.

How long will the game remain in Early Access?
We aim for a release at the end of our Early Access roadmap, which is currently planned for the end of the year. Throughout the Early Access process and after evaluating your feedback, the development plan will become clearer.

We are committed to quality and will remain flexible to address the needs of the game and our community.”

How will the full version differ from the Early Access version?
While we are confident that you will have a great experience with CTS: Tram, we will use the Early Access period to improve the game – with new features and content, quality-of-life improvements, and changes based on your feedback. This will create a solid foundation for further development during Early Access.

With the release of Early Access, players can:

• Operate the R2.2b tram, the StadtRegioTram, and the ULF B1
• Play the sandbox mode with access to the north, south, east, and west sections of the Tramau map – offering more than 100 possible routes
• Complete tutorials, such as driving the trams, basic operations, and signaling
• Play the career mode, where you plan routes and transport passengers through Tramau, with efficiency being key to success. The more satisfied your passengers, the more XP you earn! In career mode, you can also choose one of up to six characters.
• Customize your tram operation – change the logo of your tram operation and display it on your vehicle. Players can also change the name of the operation, which will be used for the tram stops in the city.
• Create your own routes – route and schedule creation are available in both sandbox and career modes
• Two liveries for each tram (Tramau Green and Original)

Areas we aim to improve in the early Early Access phase:

• Performance enhancements
• Map expansion
• Improvement of Tramau’s landscape
• Signal improvements
• Quality-of-life improvements based on initial player feedback

The full version will feature more comprehensive functions, including additional tram models and more complex simulations – along with enhanced graphics, an optimized user interface, and a robust selection of content based on player feedback.

Currently planned improvements and new content to be released during the Early Access phase and included in the full version:

• ULF A1 tram model (short version of the ULF tram)
• Collectibles #1 (postcards – history of Tramau)
• Mailbox system (receive tips for your tram network)
• More stories about Tramau
• “Quick Play” feature
• Completion of character selection and achievements
• All tutorials fully playable
• Map expansions with additional services and areas to explore
• A modern Vienna tram
• Additional AI trains at the main station
• Improved loading screens
• Narrative progression in career mode
• Collectibles #2
• More variety in passengers and vehicles
• Tasks and missions
• Dynamic weather – fog, rain effects, and adjusted driving behavior
• Dynamic passenger flow
• Track events and disruptions
• Further minor improvements and adjustments for a balanced gaming experience

Note: The order above serves as a rough guide for the sequence in which we will address these improvements. Changes are subject to occur. Additional player feedback that we will address alongside the points mentioned above is not included in this list.

Will the game cost different during and after Early Access?
Players who support us during the Early Access phase will receive a discounted price as a thank you for their early participation and feedback.

Once the full version of the game is available, the price will increase to reflect the expanded content and overall improvements. We are committed to fair pricing that corresponds to the game's value and rewards those who contribute to its development.

How will you involve the community in the development process?
Our community is crucial for the Early Access process. We welcome as much feedback as possible to develop the best game we can.

If you have feedback or suggestions for new features, or if you have questions about CTS: Tram, you can reach out through our Steam Community Forum or the official ViewApp Discord server. Should you encounter bugs or issues, you can report them at the above-mentioned places. We would appreciate it if you provide as much information as possible (more details on how to submit a bug report can be found on Discord and the Steam Community pages).

We strive to post regular developer updates and blog entries on our Steam page and Discord server. Additionally, we will regularly release videos and livestreams on our YouTube and Twitch channels.

You can also stay informed about the latest developments on our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter/X, or TikTok).

"Why wasn't it announced from the beginning that it would be Early Access?"
Simply put, we didn't know ourselves at the time. We made this decision over the past two months. Originally, CTS: Tram was supposed to be released later in the year simultaneously for PC and consoles. However, since the game is already in an advanced and stable state, we want to give you access earlier. This allows you to play CTS: Tram sooner than planned and provides us with valuable feedback on the mechanics and gameplay. Unfortunately, since there's no Early Access for consoles, we can't release those versions earlier than planned.

"What does Early Access bring us?"
CTS: Tram is our first game with deep gameplay, especially in the career mode. Therefore, your feedback is particularly important to us to make the game a great experience for everyone. Topics like leveling speed, pricing of routes and vehicles, and the need for more story elements are just a few examples where we need your input. Our goal is to not prolong Early Access unnecessarily, but to use your feedback to achieve a successful full release together.

How much will CTS cost?
During Early Access, CTS will be available for €29,99 / £24,99 / $29,99

"What about the depot?"
CTS: Tram will initially be released without a depot. We're focusing on the most important game mechanics first. A depot would bring some changes to the gameplay, so we want to give this feature the necessary time. We understand that the depot is important to many of you, but we want to ensure that every feature gets the quality it deserves.