Mass Transit (2021) Board Game

Mass Transit is a cooperative card game designed by Andrew Hepworth and Mark Quire, and published by Calliope Games in in 2021. The game is centered around the theme of managing and expanding public transportation networks in a city. Players work together to build routes and transport passengers efficiently while dealing with various challenges that arise.

Game Components of Mass Transit

1 Big City board

52 Mass Transit cards

6 Commuter pawns

Game rules

How To Setup Mass Transit

To set up the game, place the Big City board in the middle of the playing area. Shuffle the Mass Transit card deck and deal 4 cards to each player. Each player should keep their cards hidden from the other players. Place the 6 Commuter pawns on their starting locations on the board. The objective is to get these commuters from the Big City to their homes in the Suburbs.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to achieve the goal.

Limited Communication: Players cannot tell each other what cards they have or share their strategies.

Dual-Use Cards: Cards can be used to build roads, canals, and rails, or to move buses, ferries, and trains.

Game Objective: Get all 6 commuters from the Big City to their homes in the Suburbs before the deck runs out of cards.

Turn Structure: Each turn, a player must play at least 2 cards, either to extend routes or move commuters.

Player Experience

In **Mass Transit**, players experience a thrilling, suspenseful, and fun cooperative challenge. The game is fast-paced, with each game lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. The limited communication mechanic adds a layer of complexity, requiring players to give vague hints rather than direct instructions. For example, a player might say, “What a lovely route for someone to take the bus home with, don’t you think?” to nudge their teammates without revealing their hand. This dynamic makes the game engaging and often humorous as players try to decipher each other’s intentions.

Pros

Portable and Compact: The game is small and easy to carry, making it ideal for on-the-go play.

Flexible Player Count: Supports 1-6 players, including solo play.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, lasting 15-20 minutes.

Engaging Puzzle: The game presents a challenging yet rewarding puzzle that requires strategic thinking and teamwork.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and up.

Cons

High Difficulty: The game can be very challenging, especially with the limited communication rule.

Card Management: Players must be very judicious with their card use, as there are barely enough cards to win the game.

Random Element: The random draw of cards can significantly affect the outcome, leading to inconsistent results.

Personal Thoughts on Mass Transit

**Mass Transit** is perfect for fans of cooperative games and puzzles. It is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a quick, challenging game that can be played anywhere. The game’s compact size and easy setup make it a great addition to any gaming collection. While it may be more suited to those who enjoy strategic thinking and teamwork, it is also a great way to introduce younger players to cooperative gaming mechanics. Overall, **Mass Transit** offers a fun and engaging experience that will keep you coming back for more, even if you don’t win every time.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.