Estepona residents could soon wait less and travel further thanks to a bus network shake-up

Resident of Estepona may soon experience reduced travel times and expanded transit options thanks to an upcoming overhaul of the town's bus network. The local council is drafting technical specifications for the upgrade, which will be implemented once the current contract expires. The primary objective is to align public transportation with the town's evolving mobility requirements while placing emphasis on updating the network infrastructure, rejuvenating the fleet, and integrating advanced technology.

The proposed ten-year contract would encompass three primary routes: Line 1 (Zona Centro), Line 2 (Zona Oeste), and Line 3 (Zona Este). These routes will serve as the foundation of the revamped system, connecting the town centre with residential areas and essential services, including Estepona Hospital. Line 1, dubbed "Zona Centro," will form a loop around the historic town, travelling from Alcazaba Beach in the east to Beverly Hills urbanisation in the west.

Line 2, "Zona Oeste," will follow a circular path from an Avenida Juan Carlos I stop to Bermuda Beach, pausing at Estepona Hospital along the way, which will prove particularly beneficial for individuals needing to access the medical facility without the use of a car. Line 3, "Zona Este," will mirror Line 2's circular route, beginning at Avenida Juan Carlos I and terminating at Mar y Monte urbanisation, along the road leading towards Benahavis.

In addition to the network expansion, the council plans to overhaul the bus fleet, requiring at least four vehicles per route, including a spare. All buses will be newly purchased rather than used, featuring non-plug-in hybrid engines, measuring at least ten metres in length, and equipped with accessibility features such as wheelchair spaces, air conditioning, and digital information panels.

The buses will utilize a real-time operations support and information system (SAE) to monitor route progress, punctuality, and incident management. Passengers will receive live updates regarding their routes and waiting times via onboard displays, stop announcements, and external applications.

Payment for fares will transition to a contactless bank card system, with the network also prepared to accommodate cards from the Malaga Metropolitan Transport Consortium, the regional authority overseeing public transportation across the province. The upgrade will prioritize energy efficiency and reduced emissions, alongside enhancements in accessibility, safety, intermodal connections, and onboard amenities.

Estepona's officials envision a modern, tightly interconnected transportation system that streamlines daily commutes and strengthens connections among various town districts.