Building an Efficient Subway Network in Cities: Skylines

In Cities: Skylines 2, players have multiple options for public transportation. Upon reaching the Grand Village milestone, buses and bus stations are unlocked for free. However, to unlock other modes of transportation, players need to spend development points.

Subways, in particular, are quite costly. They not only require four points to unlock but also require the purchase of trains (one point) and trams (two points) to connect to the subway system. On the positive side, subways are an excellent means of efficiently moving citizens around urban areas without causing traffic disruptions or excessive noise pollution. The only challenge is that constructing underground tunnels in Cities: Skylines 2 can prove unexpectedly difficult.

Subway Yards and Stations

For the construction of a subway, players must first locate a suitable area for the subway yard. It is important to note that subway trains and regular passenger trains require different carriages, tracks, yards, and stations. To promote passenger connectivity between the two types of mass transit, players can construct their stations in close proximity. However, it is not possible for a subway train to make a stop at a train station.

Despite these differences, trains and subways do share certain similarities. Both can be built above or below ground, accommodate large numbers of passengers, and have similarly sized above-ground stations. The main advantage of subways is their below-ground stations, which occupy minimal space on the surface and produce minimal noise pollution.

Once

How to Build Subway Tracks

the subway yard is visible on the map, players have the opportunity to construct subway stations both above and below ground. These stations need to be interconnected with the yard since it serves as the point where new subway trains emerge and where old ones are brought for maintenance. However, although the yard must be situated on the surface, the subway tracks connecting to it can be positioned underground.

In the same way as constructing train tracks and roads, players have the ability to develop subway tracks. An improvement from the previous game, players now have the freedom to build underground tracks at depths ranging from 30 to 150 feet below the surface. This allows the construction of intersecting subway tracks without the need for intersections, as they traverse different heights. Additionally, players can extend tracks beneath rivers and lakes.

However, players may face difficulties connecting stations if the track they are constructing is at an incorrect elevation. Additionally, shallow tracks could potentially clash with buried power lines and water pipes. When laying subway tracks, players should remember a few helpful tips:

The elevation function calculates the relative depth at the beginning of the track. However, each individual track piece will attempt to maintain the same absolute depth at its endpoint. This implies that players may need to either raise or lower the track's endpoint depth in order to align with the contours of the map.

When laying tracks for trains and subways, it is best to use long and gradual curves instead of sharp angles. Avoid using the straight-line tool mode. It is important to pay attention to the "no connection" popups as it may be difficult to determine the depth of a tunnel just by visual observation. Make sure to zoom in and carefully assess the connection from multiple angles before confirming it.

Remember to toggle the "underground" option on the demolition tool when removing a section of track to avoid destroying buildings above it.

When constructing tracks, it is advisable to use twin tracks instead of one-way tracks. Despite their slightly higher cost, twin tracks enable smooth movement of subway trains at stations and intersections.

How to Create Subway Routes

After interconnecting multiple subway stations and linking them to the subway yard through tracks, players will gain access to the route creation tool. By establishing a circular route that connects at least two stations, the yard will deploy one or more trains to operate along the route.

Utilize the two tracks at each station to maximize efficiency and variety in route planning. Assign different routes to utilize different sides of the station.

To reach their destinations, citizens can conveniently switch between various subway routes, eliminating the need to attempt to create a single extensive route that connects all stations at once.

Moreover, citizens have the option to connect between different modes of mass transit, allowing players to optimize the efficiency of their public transportation system. This can be achieved by strategically placing bus or tram stops near subway stations.

Ensure that the roads above have the capacity to accommodate all subway passengers who transition into pedestrians upon reaching the surface. Implementing pedestrian bridges can effectively divert them away from intersections and ensure their safety.

The highly anticipated game, Cities: Skylines 2, is now accessible on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Cities: Skylines 2

Platform(s) PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SReleased October 24, 2023Developer(s) Colossal OrderPublisher(s) Paradox InteractiveGenre(s) City Builder

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Cities: Skylines, I am excited about the new possibilities that the subway system offers in the second installment of the game. The ability to construct subway yards and stations, as well as the freedom to build underground tracks at various depths, adds a new level of complexity and realism to the game.

The subway system is a vital part of any city, and it's great to see that Cities: Skylines 2 is giving players the tools they need to create efficient and seamless subway networks. I can't wait to see what amazing subway systems players come up with!