As a main game strategy simulator released in 2011, Cities in Motion tasks you with managing the complete mass transportation network across four major European cities (Vienna, Helsinki, Berlin, Amsterdam) from 1920 to 2020. Your core loop involves designing routes for buses, trams, and subways to meet evolving commuter needs while ensuring profitability. Its distinctive feature is the century-long historical progression, forcing adaptation to new technology and urban sprawl. The game is available on PC, Mac, and Linux, supported by numerous DLCs.
The simulation spans the years 1920 through 2020, requiring players to adapt their strategies as technology, city layouts, and commuter behavior shift over nine decades. Players must design routes and manage fleets consisting of various vehicle types, including buses, trams, subway trains, and potentially other modes depending on technological unlocks. Success hinges on creating efficient connections that minimize passenger wait times and maximize ridership across the urban landscape.
The primary mechanic involves laying down routes, purchasing vehicles, setting timetables, and monitoring passenger flow in real-time. Each vehicle type has specific operational requirements, maintenance costs, and capacity limits. A key element is understanding the needs of different demographic groups within the city—workers, tourists, and residents—who travel for distinct reasons and at different times of the day.
The game distinguishes itself through its deep historical scope and focus on the evolution of urban transit infrastructure over a full century. Players are not just building a static network; they are managing a dynamic system that must continually adapt to technological advancements and urban sprawl. Furthermore, the game emphasizes financial viability; inefficient routes lead to losses, requiring careful budgeting and strategic investment in newer, more capable transit technologies as they become available across the timeline.
This title is a Main Game simulation released on February 22, 2011. It is available for PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, and Mac platforms. The game falls under the Strategy and Simulator genres.
Since its initial release, the game has received significant support in the form of downloadable content. There are currently 12 DLCs available, offering new scenarios, vehicles, and potentially new city maps to expand the core simulation experience. There are no official expansions or remakes of the main game currently noted.

One of each of vehicle type, but with a twist! Instead of helicopter take a pleasant ride in a hot air balloon, or perhaps a tram that's been built like a boat to sail the city streets. These innovative vehicles will add a whole new level to the game and keep your company afloat with their high attractiveness.

Cities in Motion: London is a new addition to the city-based mass transportation simulation game Cities in Motion. London adds three unique scenarios, 5 new vehicles, and realistic London landmarks to the game.

Cities in Motion: St. Petersburg is a new addition to the city-based mass transportation simulation game Cities in Motion. The great Window to the West, St. Petersburg, offers many new challenges. The traditional trolley buses offer a new mode of transport and give the city its unique atmosphere. A new campaign consisting of three scenarios highlights key points in St. Petersburg's history while presenting the player with interesting and challenging tasks.

Cities in Motion: Paris is a new addition to the city-based mass transportation simulation game Cities in Motion. The Seine River cuts through Paris, offering opportunities for waterbus routes while presenting a challenge to those looking to cross its banks. Paris' many narrow streets and unique topography will put your urban-planning skills to test. Paris adds a large map with Parisian style architecture, a new campaign plus three scenarios, and four all-new vehicles for use in any Cities in Motion city.

Cities in Motion: Ulm is a new addition to the city-based mass transportation simulation game Cities in Motion. Build your mass transit empire in the sandbox set from 1970's to 2030. Experience a real-time city and traffic simulator as each location's bustling population commutes between their homes, jobs, and leisure sites. The Ulm expansion includes a new city with an additional scenario and a unique landmark from this fascinatingly iconic German landscape.

Cities in Motion: US Cities is a new addition to the city-based mass transportation simulation game Cities in Motion. This expansion brings you two cities on a new continent with new challenges in both sandbox and campaign modes. New vehicle types and large populations set in beautiful metropolises will keep your creativity flowing! Try the trolley buses in New York or build a cable car network in sunny San Francisco, but remember to keep your passengers happy!

Cities in Motion: German Cities is a new addition to the city-based mass transportation simulation game Cities in Motion. German Cities brings you back to the early days of transportation history. Engage in the campaign with four different scenario set in ten decades starting from the 1920's. German Cities adds 2 new cities, 4 different campaign scenarios, and new German landmarks to the game.

Cities in Motion: Metro Stations is a new addition to the city-based mass transportation simulation game Cities in Motion. Some of the world's favorite cities, rendered in rich detail, await a planner to manage and organize their transportation needs. Overseeing the changing needs of people from 1920 to 2020, it's up to you to manage everything from buses, trams and subway trains to maximize profits while pleasing commuters. Metro Stations adds a crossed platform and multiplatform station.

Design Now adds five brand new transit options to Cities in Motion. Increase speed, efficiency and capacity with these vehicles: - Stern-Berger Midi - A product of Swiss standard in solid quality and innovative looks, Midi is a bus primarily intended for dense urban areas. Its light weight, rather short wheelbase and low flooring enable easy maneuvering and boarding. - Pavlov P-42 - Pavlov Aeronautika factories were established as part of the Pavlov enterprises in the mid-1910s. Ivan Pavlov, a pioneer in rotorcraft design, himself piloted the P-42 on its maiden flight. Originally designed for anti-submarine warfare use, it soon became immensely popular in air taxi business as well. A robust helicopter with relatively low empty weight and slow acceleration, it is especially suited to cover mid-distance passenger and goods transportation needs. - Stingray Cityjet - The Stingray Cityjet is a fast short-distance catamaran of Australian origin. Recently announced third generation of these vessels have high fuel efficiency and notably low noise emission. These vessels are aimed for regular ferry service and sightseeing use, featuring comfortable seating and a service deck. - Vagabondo Satellite - Italian-built Vagabondo trams first saw use in Rome during the upgrading of the municipal rail network. The Satellite is a very reliable, although not the most visually appealing, single-body six-axle tram with a partial low-floor configuration. It has driving cabins on both ends of the frame. - Crescenta T4 Suburbia - A Danish creation, the Crescenta T4 Suburbia is a combined metro/light railway train configuration primarily intended for use between traffic hubs and countryside towns. Its design reflects the origin in more traditional commuter

Cities in Motion: Tokyo is a new addition to the city-based mass transportation simulation game Cities in Motion. You must build a reliable and efficient transit system while playing through an all new campaign with four different scenarios. Start in the 1970's and experience four decades of all new vehicles and challenges. Or make the city your playground in the included sandbox mode. With 7 new vehicles and the new Monorail vehicle type you are sure to transport the masses.

Design Marvels adds five brand new transit options to Cities in Motion. Increase speed, efficiency and capacity with these vehicles: Dino Vettore - The flagship of a vehicle North Italian company, Vettore is one of the largest buses ever produced. It provides two floors of comfortable seating with stairs in the front and rear.

Design Classics adds five brand new vehicles to Cities in Motion. Expand the cities transit capabilities while providing your citizens with new and exciting comute options. Jubilee Blim: The Jubilee Blim is the iconic minibus of the early 60's. It is compact, cozy and has a unique silhouette.