If your dream is to drive a tourist bus on a sunny Spanish island then Tourist Bus Simulator might just interest you. Or if you enjoy simulation and management games then maybe this game is right in your wheelhouse. And this is what I thought too until I got the chance to actually play the game.

Tourist Bus Simulator PS5 Preview

The first 18 minutes with Tourist Bus Simulator were fine, almost. I had to restart the game a couple of times, once to the game freezing and another time due to me somehow managing to flip my car on its side without any way to get it back on its wheels.

Apart from the aforementioned issues, the start of the game was perfectly fine.

You start off as a new arrival to the island of Fuerteventura, arriving at the airport you are given your first “mission.” It’s simple enough, leave the airport, get in your car and drive to your company. I should add that there are two game modes in Tourist Bus Simulator that you can select from as soon as the game loads.

You can select from two game modes in Tourist Bus Simulator

One game mode I would describe as being the main mode where you build up your company, buy more buses, keep drivers and passengers happy and try to build a successful bus tour business. This is the management mode.

The second mode is where you can arrange schedules plot custom bus routes and generally just drive around in Freeplay. I am mainly focusing on the management and economy mode for this preview and subsequent review.

So once you have driven to your company you then get another “quest” to buy your first bus. You can buy your first bus by going to the computer in your office and selecting one from the second-hand bus sales screen. Once you have decided on your first bus, it’s time to go and collect it. This means hopping back into your car and driving to the dockside to pick it up. Once you have picked up your bus, you need to drive it back to your company where you can then get your first order, “the first trip.”

The first stumble

All well and good I thought, I’ve got my first order, I’ll go and pick up some passengers, take them to where they need to go and get some money to start building my business. Nope.

After picking up my first order, I could use the calendar in the in-game menu or go to the wall clock in the office to skip time forward to your appointment. So off I go on my bus, checked the map for the first stop and away I went, excited to get my first passengers. But when I got there, there were no passengers to pick up. I then checked the map and saw that the game had given me another stop to go to. I assumed that I had to do a trial run of the route first or something but after reaching the last stop nothing happened. The game did display some information as if I had completed the order (passengers left behind, number of crashes, etc.) But the “mission” did not disappear or change to something else.

I went back to my office to see if I had to do something there. But I could not access any new orders or even access the calendar to move time forward again. So I still have “the first trip” job showing on my screen and the map is not showing any routes or any markers. So I am essentially stuck it seems.

The game has some issues

I am 90% certain that it is probably just me being dumb and not figuring out what to do next. I have emailed the developers to see if they can point me in the right direction. As far as the simulation and management side of things go, Tourist Bus SImulator does appear to have a lot to offer. So I would really like to be able to progress further and experience more of the game.. And is likely a game you could sink a lot of hours into to try and build your company up from a one bus operation to having a fleet of buses and AI drivers covering the entire island.

Currently, Tourist Bus Simulator does seem to have some issues on PS5. The main problem I have, and again it’s probably just me, is that the game is not particularly clear on some things. There are various controls and things you can operate in the bus, like windows, doors, headlights, etc. But there is no clear instructions on how to access these controls. I ended up just pressing buttons to see what would happen. Some of the controls, like activating the bus’s destination board, seem to say “not available in this mode.” Even though the job I described above states that the “destination board must be active.”

I have also noticed a few graphical glitches. Sometimes in certain areas, the graphics will de-render. For example, at the airport, I walked into a lounge area and the walls and ceiling disappeared. When driving around the island there can also be a lot of glare from the sun. The sun is way too bright and makes seeing what is in front of you nigh on impossible.

Hopefully, these issues can maybe be fixed before the game’s release on May 12th or shortly thereafter. But I get the feeling that only hardcore simulation & management fans are going to persevere with the game.

At least the driving is good

Despite the aforementioned problems, there are a couple of positives about Tourist Bus Simulator. The driving mechanics I felt are really good and pretty realistic. The vehicles I have tried so far from the car to the smaller buses all handle really well and just like you would expect them to. The sound design is also pretty good. You get that kind of wooshing, doppler effect sound when other cars pass you on the road. It gives you the feeling that you are out on the open road.

Tourist Bus Simulator map

The island of Fuerteventura also appears to be pretty large. Although it doesn’t look that big when you look at the map. But driving around and the time it takes you to get from A to B certainly gives a much larger sense of scale.

Tourist Bus Simulator is built on Unreal Engine 4 and as such the graphics are pretty nice. Everything is fairly well detailed and looks realistic enough. Apart from the sun being too bright the game certainly looks decent in the visual department.

Hopefully, the developers can offer some assistance so I can progress in the game. I would really like to play more of Tourist Bus Simulator as it does look like it has a lot to offer.

Tourist Bus Simulator is out on PS5 on May 12th.

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Board the bus at any of the stops along the route and set off into the city. The bus begins in Southside and winds its way along the river, up into North Shore, through the restaurants and shops in the Strip and Central Business districts, and into Oakland, home to the University of Pittsburgh.

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Along the way, the friendly and funny bus guide shares insight into the history of the city, pointing out important landmarks and architecture. When a certain stop strikes your fancy, all you have to do is hop off to explore on your own. Indulge your cultural side with visits to the Andy Warhol Museum, the Heinz History Center, or the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Take in a game at Heinz Field or PNC Park, grab a bite to eat in the bustling Strip District, or scope out spectacular views from the scenic overlook on Mount Washington. With 21 stops to choose from, there's no end to the ways you can spend your day.

Sightseeing Bus License Application Checklist

Sightseeing Bus License Application Checklist

Who Must Have a Sightseeing Bus License?

You must have a Sightseeing Bus license to operate a vehicle that carries eight or more paying passengers to places of interest or amusement or for a specific or special trip from a starting point within New York City.

This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Sightseeing Bus license.

Quick List of Requirements to Apply for a Sightseeing Bus License

See Requirements section for detailed descriptions. Make sure you provide all requirements; otherwise, your application is incomplete. DCA can only consider complete applications for license issuance.

Basic License Application

Roster of Sightseeing Buses and Request for Inspection

Copy of New York State Department of Transportation or New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Inspection Certificate for Each Bus Listed on Roster

Copy of Current State Department of Motor Vehicles Registration for Each Bus Listed on Roster

Rate Schedule

Sightseeing Bus – United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Engine Conformity Affirmation

Copy of USEPA Certificate of Conformity and Original Letter from Manufacturer for Each Sightseeing Bus Engine

Local Law 41: DEP Monthly Reporting Form

Sightseeing Bus Company Compliance Affirmation

Sightseeing Bus – Bus Stop Affirmation

Copy of each New York City Department of Transportation Authorized Sightseeing Bus Stop Permit ( if applicable )

) Granting Authority to Act Affirmation ( if applicable )

) Inspection of Your Sightseeing Buses

License Fee

Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved.

Additional City or State Permits/Licenses/Clearances You May Need

Individuals must have a Sightseeing Guide license to guide or direct people to any place or point of public interest.

This is not meant to be a complete list. See Additional Resources section.

Important Message about Business Certificate

You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. Although DCA does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCA may request this document under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.

Sole proprietors operating under a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.

Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if applicable, an Assumed Name Certificate for your business.

Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Division of Corporations. You can check your status at

Requirements

DCA will deny your application if you do not submit these required documents and information:

Roster of Sightseeing Buses and Request for Inspection.

Applicants must provide identifying information for each bus owned by the business on the Roster. DCA will inspect your open-air sightseeing buses to make sure they have a headphone-limited sound reproduction system.

Copy of New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) or New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, (DMV) Inspection Certificate for Each Bus Listed on Roster. .

The Inspection Certificate must indicate either:

that each bus on your Roster passed inspection by DOT within the last six months; OR ( if DOT determines that a DOT inspection is not required ) that each bus on your Roster passed inspection by DMV within the last year.

To arrange for the necessary inspection(s), contact: New York State DOT: (718) 482-4754 or New York State DMV: (518) 486-9786 or

. The Inspection Certificate must indicate either: To arrange for the necessary inspection(s), contact:

Your bus(es) must pass a safety inspection before a license can be issued.

Copy of Current State Department of Motor Vehicles Registration for Each Bus Listed on Roster.

Rate Schedule.

Submit a Rate Schedule on your business letterhead listing all charges for sightseeing bus services. Note that rates not included on the schedule may not be charged at a future date. To change rates after filing this application, you must notify DCA in writing.

Copy of USEPA Certificate of Conformity and Original Letter from Manufacturer for Each Sightseeing Bus Engine.

Sightseeing Bus – Bus Stop Affirmation

For information about on-street bus stops, contact the NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) General Permits Office at (646) 892-1242.

Copy of Each NYC DOT Authorized Sightseeing Bus Stop Permit (if applicable).

For questions about permits, contact the NYC DOT General Permits Office at (646) 892-1242.

Granting Authority to Act Affirmation, if applicable.

Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application.

Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.

Inspection of Your Sightseeing Buses.

DCA will contact you to schedule an appointment to inspect all sightseeing buses before your business can operate. Note: All sightseeing buses listed on your Roster of Sightseeing Buses and Request for Inspection must be present at the time of the inspection.

License Fee.

If You File Your Application Between These Dates: License Fee Option 1 License Fee Option 2 From April 1 in an even year to September 30 in an even year Pay $100 for a license expiring March 31 of the next even year. (Valid for at most 24 months.) N/A From October 1 in an even year to March 31 in an odd year Pay $75 for a license expiring March 31 of the following year. (Valid for at most 18 months.) N/A From April 1 in an odd year to September 30 in an odd year Pay $50 for a license expiring March 31 of the soonest even year. (Valid for at most 12 months.) N/A From October 1 in an odd year to March 31 in an even year Pay $25 for a license expiring March 31 of the same even year. (Valid for at most 6 months.) Pay $125 for a license expiring March 31 of the next even year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)

Check or money order payable to DCA. (In person)

Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only). You will be charged a nonrefundable Convenience Fee. (In person or online) Pay by:

Application Filing Process

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS (DCA) LICENSING CENTER

42 Broadway, Lobby

New York, NY 10004

Monday-Friday: 9:00

Wednesday: 8:30 NYC SMALL BUSINESS

SUPPORT CENTER

90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor

Jamaica, NY 11435

Monday-Friday: 9:00

Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, please call DCA’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (212) 436-0199 or File in person at the DCA Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center.are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, please call DCA’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (212) 436-0199 or visit our Accommodations page

Review requirements for the license and gather all materials before clicking the button below to submit your application online using a laptop or desktop computer. If you haven’t registered an account with the City of New York, you will need to register an account before you can proceed to the online application. After you submit the online application, follow the instructions on the confirmation page. DCA cannot process incomplete applications. Important: If you need to file another license application, return to the Apply for a DCA License page to read requirements and proceed to the online application.

Additional Resources for Sightseeing Bus

Licensed sightseeing buses must be inspected at least once every four months.

By law, DCA must inspect all licensed sightseeing buses. DCA will contact you by email to schedule an appointment. If you fail to produce all of your licensed sightseeing buses for inspection, your company’s Sightseeing Bus License may be subject to revocation or suspension. Please contact the Business Compliance Counsel with any questions about DCA’s inspection process.

Sightseeing Bus Accident and/or Driver Offense Report You must submit this report within three (3) business days of any sightseeing bus accident or traffic violation that could be the basis for an assignment of points. You must also submit this report as soon as practicable if any driver employed by you is charged with any alcohol or drug-related offense or any criminal offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle.

For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit visit our Laws page .

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Read Inspection Checklist: Sightseeing Bus .

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If you have a question about a DCA violation or the laws that DCA enforces, you can speak with DCA's Business Compliance Counsel . Call 311 for the Legal Compliance Helpline for Businesses or email .

. Call 311 for the Legal Compliance Helpline for Businesses or email .

For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.

Get Voter Information

Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCA will provide to you.

Page updated 0 4 /20 20



License Period: 2 years; Expiration Date: March 31 (Even Years). See table for License Fee options.