Residents of Estepona may soon find it easier to navigate the town without a vehicle, as the local council is preparing to overhaul its urban bus service. This initiative comes ahead of the expiration of the current contract and aims to align public transport with the town’s evolving mobility needs, emphasizing modernization, fleet renewal, and the introduction of new technologies.
The proposed plans outline a ten-year contract to facilitate significant investments in new vehicles and equipment. The core of the revised network will consist of three main routes: Line 1 Zona Centro, Line 2 Zona Oeste, and Line 3 Zona Este, which will operate throughout the year, connecting residential neighborhoods and essential services like Estepona Hospital.
Line 1, or “Zona Centro,” will circle the old town, extending from the roundabout at Alcazaba Beach to the Beverly Hills urbanization. Line 2, known as “Zona Oeste,” will create a loop from Avenida Juan Carlos I to Bermuda Beach, stopping at Estepona Hospital, making it a vital option for those needing medical care without a car. Meanwhile, Line 3, “Zona Este,” will also loop, starting from Avenida Juan Carlos I and concluding at the Mar y Monte urbanization near Benahavis.
A significant aspect of the plan involves a complete fleet renewal, requiring at least four new buses, with one reserved as a backup. The vehicles will be non-plug-in hybrids, at least ten meters long, and designed for accessibility, featuring dedicated wheelchair spaces, air conditioning, and digital information displays. Additionally, a real-time operations support system will be implemented to track bus locations, monitor punctuality, and manage incidents, providing passengers with live updates on routes and wait times at bus stops.
Contactless bank card payment options for tickets will also be introduced, alongside the capacity to use cards from the Malaga Metropolitan Transport Consortium, which oversees public transport in the region. The plan includes a commitment to energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced safety, aiming to create a more accessible and interconnected transport system that facilitates daily commutes and strengthens links within Estepona.