Posted: 6 weeks ago, last updated 4 weeks ago.
Author: Rob Prior, @GeekDadGamer and Jo Robertson.
Overview
Each turn you play 2-4 cards to extend the six routes. To be effective you have to match up the three different transit methods: bus, rail or waterway. To move commuters along routes you create you discard a card, but must be careful to pick the right mode of transport if the routes are still under construction.
As you play, the routes become longer and more complex, until you reach the suburb card. Once this is done, focus switches to getting the commuters home, using stations to switch modes of transport tactically along the way. Get all six commuters home and you all win the game.
This sounds like an easy proposition, but the cards are carefully balanced between those that help and hinder you. Some contain traffic that slows down your commuters, some have to be played immediately and some only have limited powers or limited numbers. Add to this the fact that you are not allowed to communicate directly with each other. All this means that what starts as a simple card laying game, quickly becomes a fraught balance between success and immediate crashing failure.
Game Details
Skill Rating: 6-8 year-olds
Release Date: 01/01/2020
Genres: Brain Game, Sequencing, Strategy, Traversal and World Building
Pieces: Cards and Figures
Developer: @Calliope Games (@CalliopeGames)
Players: 1-6
Lists
View our choice of games like Mass Transit. This game is good if you want to:
Duration
When you first play:
- Play the first game open handed, so you can discuss each move.
- Be aware of the numbers of each card in the deck, so you know which resources are more finite.
- Be careful to use the walk cards only when needed.
Play Time: This game will take between 15 minutes and 20 minutes to complete. You start by piecing the city together, placing the Commuter Figures in their work spaces, shuffling the deck and dealing each player four cards. The rest of the cards are placed into the city space as a draw pile. Each card features an overhead map of three transit routes, with stops and traffic, which can be played to extend routes. They also display rules for discarding that allow you to play them to move the commuters.
Play Style
You can play this game in the following styles:
Age Ratings
Skill Rating
6-8 year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. As this is a co-operative game, younger players can be supported with communication during the first few games.
Content Rating
We rate this suitable for 3+ years-olds.
Costs
Accessibility
We haven't documented accessibility features for this game yet. Our Mass Transit Accessibility Report details system-wide settings that may help, and suggests similar games with accessibility features. Tweet the developer (@CalliopeGames) to let them know about our Accessibility Questionnaire.

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