On many maps without building several cities winning is nearly impossible. We need cities for goods, passengers, mail.
First
of all we should choouse a town/city to build. In the picture below i
show how to find, whether town is a city or not. Cities grow 2 times as
fast as towns.

In tropical desert towns need monthly water and food to grow, in arctic snow towns need monthly food.
After a city was chosen, make bus stops that will cover all the city and a station for future, like in the picture below.

Next
we need to create road grid. Don't forget, that if u refuse to remove a
part of road 'on demand', it is considered blocking.
After grid is created, start 3-5 buses.

If a city accepts goods, they will boost its development. Mail service and food supply is also nice.
Don't
forget to remove statues and fountains, that are usually built in city
centre. They take place of office buildings and flats.