BUSES will be free for those living in Marbella and San Pedro de Alcantara next year as part of a drive to encourage the use of public transport. 

But to make use of the service, you must live in the areas and be registered as a resident.

Marbella town hall will create a transport card that will grant all holders free travel on buses.

The initiative, which will cost the town hall around €3 million a year, will also allow the town hall to encourage registration among residents who live in the municipality and are not officially on the books.

Companies will be able to bid for the project, which will grant them €4.5 million per year for at least ten years.

The winning company will have to improve the lines and bus fleet and make them more user-friendly.

The first phase of the bidding is set to end next week.