The player selects a route from tiers, and then after a short loading time, the player sees the selected bus either at a bus depot or terminal. After halting at the first stop, the bus must be driven along the correct route whilst obeying all traffic rules and stopping at all bus stops. If the player fails to do so, points will be taken from their score. When the game begins, one tier of routes, which includes six buses, is available. In total, there are six tiers, thirty-six routes and thirteen buses. In order to unlock the next tier, the player must drive at least four of the routes successfully. As the game progresses, routes become more tedious. The player will lose points if they disobey traffic laws, upset passengers or they depart from the bus stop too early, or even if they leave passengers waiting at a bus stop. Conversely, the player will gain points for obeying traffic laws and being punctual. Despite being a game set in the United States, many of the bus stop names and cities are named after areas of London, including Debden, Collier Row, Feltham, Potters Bar and the terminus Westminster. If the player scores points more than 0, then the drive would be a successful drive. If the players score less points than 0, then it will be an unsuccessful drive. There are various camera angles. Occasionally, there are visuals of rain. If there is rain happening, then the wipers will function automatically. You can also switch on the blinkers. There is an accelerator and an brake. There is steering as well. Each drive will take place during the day, or at nighttime, depending to the route described. After you choose the route, you can view the description of the route and bus no. before you start the game. There is a time table. There is also a tab showing what is the distance to the next bus stop.
The initial game contains five tiers. An additional tier was added in Bus Driver Temsa Edition and in Bus Driver Gold Edition. Each tier contains six different routes. In order to unlock the next tier, the player must drive at least four of the routes successfully. As the game progresses, routes become longer and more complicated. As mentioned above, you have to score more than 0 points to complete each level. Therefore, you have to maintain an formal speed which gives you advantages: 1. You will reach the destination in time. 2. You can brake slowly so that passengers are not disappointed at sharp braking. 3. You will get points for reaching in time and obeying traffic signals.
Reception
Bus Driver was not designed as a bus simulator, however it is considered one. Reviewers have suggested that an inside view would improve the gameplay, however, the developers have stated that this is because the game was not designed to be an exact simulator.
