A detailed version of Croydon has been built inside Roblox, the online platform known for user-made games.
The experience Croydon: The London Transport Game, it lets players drive real-life bus and tram routes across a one-to-one map of the borough.
You can hop behind the wheel, pick up passengers, and even operate a working ticket machine.
If you don’t want to drive, you can just explore as a passenger and walk or hop on the bus to see landmarks like Croydon Library or Croydon Clocktower.
The game was originally created by a developer known as hhwheat, with further development by Edo_UK. It is now managed by Centro Group with help from others on model creation.
The current version is 1.3.3 and a rewrite is planned for version 1.4 to fix long standing issues.
The bus routes match actual TfL services.
There is the 60 from Thornton Heath Pond to South Croydon Bus Garage, the 119 from Shirley to South End, the 198 from Thornton Heath High Street to Lower Addiscombe, and many more.
Players can also drive trams, including the TR1 from Addiscombe to Lloyds Park and the TR3 to Mitcham Junction.
For many locals, these are the same services they take every day.
There are over 100 buses in the game, including both double deckers and single deckers.
Each comes with interactive features like ticket machines and realistic sounds.
You earn money by making successful trips and transporting passengers, allowing you to buy better buses.
There is also the option to chat with other players, either by typing or speaking through voice chat.
If driving is not enough, players can also run their own bus companies.
You can design custom liveries, set up your own timetables, and compete on weekly leaderboards.
The more you play, the more your company can grow.
For those who want a stricter driving experience, there are simulation servers with more advanced rules.
Croydon itself has been recreated in detail using Roblox Studio. Streets, buildings and key landmarks are all placed according to the real layout.
It is not a perfect replica, but it is close enough that you might recognise parts of your daily commute.
Some players queue up for buses in-game just like they would outside West Croydon Station.
The game is free to play on Roblox. All you need is an account. It is popular with transport fans and Roblox players alike, and updates are released regularly.
The upcoming version 1.4 aims to improve stability and fix bugs.
If you have ever wondered what it is like to be a TfL driver or just want to drive the 250 from Thornton Heath to Fairfield Halls without the stress of real traffic, this might be your chance.
Oyster card not required.
