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)

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.