Springvalley finally gets public transport. Services and homes make way for a multi-platform central train station, threaded into the existing city with six incoming tracks. A wrong elevation kept trains away at first, but then the passengers streamed out. New colour-coded bus lines, eleven in total, connect the station, parks and stadium. Taxi stands go at the station, stadium, parks and college, and a first monorail line squeezes through. Traffic at about 70,000 citizens flows smoothly.
What happens in this episode
The custom cargo airport from Episode 35 turned out nicely. It’s my first one with the Airports DLC, though I’m not fully happy with the elevated train line. This episode is about something Springvalley has been missing for ages: public transport, starting with a central train station.
How it was built
Choosing the spot
There were two options. Everything around here will become downtown, so the station goes into an existing block. I remove the zoning first, so I know exactly which houses must go. Services move rather than vanish: an elementary school, a doctor’s office and a post office. I pick a multi-platform station with six incoming tracks, and sadly some high-rises go too.
Threading the tracks
I try to delete as little city as possible, sneaking tracks around existing streets with transitions to low ground. Without mods it would be almost impossible. A ramp is adjusted, and a flying-car glitch appears briefly. Traffic lights near the station go, taxis and bus stops connect, and offices fill the space around it. A metro stub stays for later. I wouldn’t be surprised if I rebuild it again one day.
The first train
Nothing came at first. The elevation was wrong. Once fixed, the first passenger train arrived and people streamed out onto the roads and buses.
Bus lines
New colour-coded bus lines, with new ones in red, connect the station area, parks, the stadium and the small downtown, including a circle line. That’s 11 bus lines in total. One stop had 250 people waiting. Bigger buses barely help, since 80 seats instead of 75 isn’t much.
Taxi stands
Taxi stands go at the station, the stadium, parks, a playground and the college, so students can take a taxi if they can afford it.
Smooth traffic
At around 70,000 citizens, if you plan well, traffic flows smoothly. It’s busy, but there are hardly any heavy jams, and that’s wonderful to watch.
A monorail
I’m a huge fan of monorails, though I’m not sure how well they work in Cities: Skylines 1. A first line squeezes in with several stations and a detour, and crossings need adjusting. The station handled 900 passengers last week, so there’s plenty of room to grow. Decorating the station area comes later.
Video chapters
- 00:00Where the central station goes
- 04:16Six tracks and relocated services
- 09:56Threading rail through the city
- 15:29Flying cars, taxis and offices
- 19:43The first passenger train
- 24:05New bus lines
- 28:33Taxi stands at the hotspots
- 32:55Smooth traffic and a monorail idea
- 37:09Building the monorail
- 41:43900 passengers a week
Clicking a chapter starts the video above at that point.
FAQ
Where should a central train station go?
In or next to the future downtown, where bus lines, taxis and walking routes can meet it. Clear the zoning first so you know exactly which buildings must move.
Why don't trains stop at my new station?
Check elevations and connections. In this episode a wrong elevation kept trains away until it was fixed.
Do bigger buses help a crowded stop?
Hardly. The largest articulated bus carries about 80 people versus 75, so more lines, taxis or rail make a bigger difference.