This guide will dive deep into every transit option, providing optimal configurations, placement strategies, and integration techniques that I've perfected across hundreds of hours of gameplay. Introduction Road networks alone won't save your city from traffic nightmares in City Skylines 2. The game's sophisticated simulation means citizens will make complex transportation choices based on time, cost, and convenience. Alternative transit systems are not merely decorative—they're essential infrastructure that can transform your city's efficiency, reduce pollution, and dramatically improve your citizens' happiness. This guide will dive deep into every transit option, providing optimal configurations, placement strategies, and integration techniques that I've perfected across hundreds of hours of gameplay. Public Transit Fundamentals Before we dive into specific transit types, understand these universal principles: The Transit Hierarchy Like road networks, transit systems work best with a hierarchical approach: Local service (buses, trams): Short routes, frequent stops, neighborhood coverage District connectors (metro, monorail): Medium routes, moderate stops, connecting districts Regional transport (trains, ferries): Long routes, few stops, connecting distant areas Intercity links (airports, harbor): External connections with minimal internal stops The Critical Coverage Formula For maximum efficiency, follow the 80/40/15 rule: 80% of residential areas should be within 800 units of any transit stop 40% of stops should connect to at least one other transit type 15% maximum capacity usage during non-peak hours ensures adequate peak capacity Understanding Cost Efficiency Each transport type has a cost-to-passenger ratio that determines its efficiency: Buses: $15-20 per passenger-km (most expensive per passenger) Trams: $8-12 per passenger-km Metro: $5-7 per passenger-km Trains: $3-5 per passenger-km (most cost-effective for long distances) Bus Systems: The Foundation of Transit Despite being the most basic transit option, buses are vital for comprehensive coverage. Optimal Bus Network Design Hub-and-Spoke: Create central bus terminals in each district with routes radiating outward Circulator Routes: Ring-shaped routes around commercial and high-density areas Express Routes: Limited-stop buses between major destinations Advanced Bus Techniques Dedicated Bus Roads: Create roads only buses can use to bypass congestion Bus Priority Lanes: On six-lane roads, dedicate the innermost lane to buses Optimal Stop Spacing: 300-400 units between stops in high-density areas, 500-600 in low-density Timed Transfer Points: Create hubs where multiple routes arrive simultaneously for easy transfers Bus Depot Placement Position bus depots strategically: On the edge of high service areas With direct access to arterial roads Away from residential areas (noise pollution) With a dedicated exit that doesn't interfere with regular traffic Tram Systems: Surface Rail Excellence Trams combine the accessibility of buses with higher capacity and passenger appeal. Tram Network Planning Grid Coverage: Create a grid network in downtown/commercial districts Avenue Integration: Place trams in the median of large avenues Dedicated Corridors: Create tram-only roads in high-density areas Technical Specifications Optimal Track Spacing: 800-1000 units between parallel lines Stop Interval: 350-450 units between stops Turning Radius: Avoid 90° turns when possible; use curve tool for smooth corners Intersection Priority: Set traffic policy to prioritize trams at intersections Tram Depot Integration Unlike CS1, tram depots in CS2 require more strategic planning: Connect to the main line with switches on both sides to prevent bottlenecks Create small storage loops for trams waiting to enter service Position near the center of your tram network to minimize deadheading Metro Systems: Underground Capacity Kings Metro systems are the workhorses of dense urban areas, moving massive numbers of citizens without consuming surface space. Metro Network Architectures Radial System: Lines extending from central hub (best for centralized cities) Grid System: Perpendicular lines creating transfer opportunities (best for even density) Circle Line: Peripheral route connecting outlying districts (reduces central congestion) Station Placement Science The success of your metro hinges on station positioning: Place stations at intersections of pedestrian heat maps and traffic flow Ensure 80% coverage of high-density residential and commercial Create intermodal transfer points with surface transit every 3-4 stations Use the "pedestrian path overlay" to optimize entrance/exit placement Capacity Optimization Train Frequency: 2-3 minutes between trains during peak hours Line Balancing: Ensure similar passenger loads across all lines Express Service: On longer lines, implement express trains that skip minor stations Transfer Design: Stacked or adjacent platforms minimize walking distance between lines Technical Tunneling Tips Keep tunnels between 10-15 units below ground to minimize construction costs Maintain a minimum curve radius of 40 units for stable high-speed operation Use tunnel terrain leveling tools to create gentle grades (max 8% slope) Implement bypass tunnels at busy transfer stations Monorail Systems: Mid-Capacity Elevation Often overlooked, monorails occupy a perfect middle ground between metros and trams. Strategic Implementation Complement Metro: Use monorails where metros would be overkill Elevated Corridors: Run above major avenues without disrupting traffic Tourist Circuits: Connect major landmarks and tourist attractions Technical Superiority Construction Cost: 30% cheaper than metro for similar capacity Visual Range: Provides passive tourism boost to buildings within 200 units Noise Profile: 40% less noise pollution than elevated metro Speed Advantage: 15% faster than trams with similar stop frequency Integration Techniques Connect monorail stations directly to shopping centers and office buildings Create elevated walkways between stations and major destinations Use monorail as intermediate capacity between bus and metro Train Systems: Regional Connectivity Masters Trains excel at connecting distant districts and handling massive passenger volumes. Passenger Rail Network Design Spine and Branch: Main line with branches to districts (best for linear cities) Multiple Hubs: Several interconnected stations (best for distributed cities) Bypass Routes: Express tracks around congested areas Train Station Hierarchy Implement a three-tier station system: Central Terminals: 8-16 platforms, full intermodal connections, downtown locations District Stations: 4-6 platforms, bus/tram transfers, district centers Local Halts: 2 platforms, neighborhood connections, minimal facilities Track Management Excellence Dedicated Tracks: Separate passenger and cargo rail completely Signaling Blocks: Create passing sections every 1000-1500 units Flying Junctions: Eliminate crossing conflicts with grade-separated junctions Pocket Tracks: Add terminal storage tracks to prevent mainline congestion Advanced Train Techniques Skip-Stop Service: Alternate stations between different train lines Timed Pulse System: Schedule arrivals at transfer stations to coincide Reversible Express Tracks: Additional peak-direction tracks during rush hour Tunnel Approaches: Move surface rail underground near city centers Airport Systems: Global Connections Airports require careful planning but provide essential tourist and commercial benefits. Airport Classification and Implementation International Airport: One per city, requires 16-tile clear area, generates 60% of tourism Regional Airport: 1-2 per large city, requires 9-tile clear area, regional connections Cargo Airport: Separate from passenger facilities, industrial zone connection Airport Placement Factors Noise Contours: Position at least 1500 units from residential areas Terrain Considerations: Require absolutely flat land with no elevation change Approach/Departure Paths: 2000 units of clear airspace in line with runways Highway Access: Direct connection to highest-capacity roads Ground Transportation Integration Dedicated metro line connecting to city center Express bus routes to major hotels and business districts Train station connected directly to terminal building Separate cargo road network that doesn't interfere with passenger access Traffic Management Solutions Create a one-way loop road system around the terminal Separate departures (upper level) and arrivals (lower level) road access Implement short-term and long-term parking areas with different road connections Use dedicated public transport lanes for approach roads Harbor Systems: Waterfront Opportunities Water transit offers unique advantages for cities with suitable geography. Ferry Network Planning Crossings: Direct routes across bodies of water (fastest implementation) Shoreline Service: Routes parallel to developed waterfronts Island Connections: Essential service for island districts Harbor Placement Strategy Position major passenger harbors near downtown/commercial waterfronts Place cargo harbors adjacent to industrial zones with water access Create small ferry piers every 2000-3000 units along developed shorelines Ensure minimum water depth of 8 units for all harbor facilities Land-Side Integration Direct connection between ferry terminals and waterfront commercial Pedestrian promenades connecting piers to attractions Bus stops within 150 units of every ferry terminal Cargo connection roads that avoid residential areas Efficiency Maximization Use smaller, frequent ferries for short routes Implement larger vessels for long-distance connections Create one-way ferry channels in congested waterways Design harbors with separate ingress/egress points Cable Cars: Elevation Specialists Perfect for cities with significant elevation changes, cable cars solve unique transit challenges. Optimal Implementation Scenarios Ridge Connections: Link valleys to hilltop developments Tourist Attractions: Connect landmarks with spectacular views Steep Terrain: Areas where conventional transit is impractical Technical Specifications Maximum effective distance: 1200 units Optimal station spacing: 600-800 units Maximum grade capability: 35% (far exceeding all other transit) Passenger capacity: 350 per hour per direction (supplementary role) Integration Techniques Position lower stations near major transit hubs Create viewing platforms adjacent to upper stations Implement hiking paths connecting upper stations Use as feeder service to higher-capacity mountain transit Multi-Modal Integration: The Secret Sauce The true power of alternative transit emerges from intelligent integration between systems. Transfer Hub Design Create three levels of transfer facilities: Major Hubs: Connect 3+ transit types with coordinated transfers District Transfers: Link 2 transit types with timed connections Minor Transfers: Simple connection points with minimal infrastructure Implementing Transit-Oriented Development Zone high-density residential within 400 units of major transit Position office buildings directly adjacent to metro/train stations Create car-free zones within 200 units of major transfer points Implement park-and-ride facilities at peripheral train/metro stations Fare Policy Optimization Strategic fare policies dramatically impact transit usage: Free transfers within 20 minutes between transit types Reduced fares for off-peak travel (increases overall efficiency) Monthly pass option reduces car ownership in high-density areas Zone-based fares optimize revenue while ensuring affordability Frequency Coordination Match service frequency to demand patterns (use the transit usage view) Coordinate arrivals at transfer points Implement express and local service on high-demand corridors Gradually reduce night service rather than shutting down completely Implementation Timeline: When to Build What Successful transit implementation follows the city's natural growth: Early City (Population 5,000-15,000) Basic bus network covering major residential areas Single train connection to neighboring cities if available Planning and land reservation for future transit corridors Growing City (Population 15,000-50,000) Expanded bus network with express routes First tram or BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) line along main avenue Initial ferry service if geographical features support it Regional train connection with 1-2 stations Established City (Population 50,000-100,000) First metro line connecting densest areas Comprehensive bus network with transfer hubs Multiple tram lines forming connected network Expanded regional rail with 3-5 stations Small regional airport Metropolis (Population 100,000+) Metro network with multiple intersecting lines Monorail or elevated rail supplementing surface capacity Comprehensive train system with dedicated express tracks International airport with multiple ground transportation options Cable cars and specialized transit for unique areas Transit Data Analysis and Optimization Use the game's data views to continuously refine your transit network: Key Performance Indicators Monitor these metrics monthly: Ridership Ratio: Transit users divided by total population (aim for >30%) Transfer Rate: Transfers per complete journey (optimal range: 0.8-1.2) Capacity Utilization: Peak passenger load divided by vehicle capacity (target: 65-80%) Wait Time: Average wait at stops (target: <5 minutes) Problem Diagnosis and Solutions Common issues and their fixes: Overcrowding: Increase vehicle frequency or upgrade to higher-capacity mode Underutilization: Reduce frequency or downgrade transit type Irregular Service: Implement dedicated lanes or transit priority Poor Connections: Redesign transfer points or adjust schedules Experimental A/B Testing For major networks, implement these optimization techniques: Save city as baseline Make single change to transit network Run for 6 months of game time Compare metrics to baseline Implement or revert based on results Conclusion: Transit Mastery A truly excellent City Skylines 2 transit system transforms the entire gameplay experience. Citizens will flow efficiently through your city, traffic congestion will decrease dramatically, land values will increase near transit, and your city will develop an organic, realistic growth pattern centered around mobility. Remember that each city has unique needs based on geography, layout, and growth patterns. Use this guide as a foundation, but don't be afraid to experiment and find solutions tailored to your specific urban vision. The most rewarding aspect of transit planning is seeing your carefully designed systems move thousands of citizens smoothly across your creation.