A new bus-bus interchange (BBI) at the Wong Chuk Hang portal of the Aberdeen Tunnel will be commissioned on July 26, according to Hong Kong’s Transport Department.

With effect from July 26, a total of 37 bus routes will stop at the new BBI, including 30 existing routes near Wong Chuk Hang Hospital, four Stanley–Central/North Point routes, two existing morning peak routes from Wah Kwai and South Horizons/Ap Lei Chau to Sai Wan Ho, and a new whole-day route plying between Tin Wan and Chai Wan (East), the department said in a statement on Friday.

"As bus routes to and from Stanley can stop at the new BBI, a total of 37 bus routes will be available for interchange there. This covers almost half of the bus routes serving the Southern District and significantly expands the bus network of Stanley,” said a spokesperson for the Transport Department.

Also, the introduction of Citybus route No. 770 will facilitate convenient travel for passengers between the Southern District and the vicinity of Chai Wan and Siu Sai Wan, the spokesman added.

Interchange discounts will be offered on designated routes, enabling passengers to select suitable options to reach their destinations.

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The new BBI has one bus bay each for the Wan Chai bound and Aberdeen bound directions, accommodating six and five buses, respectively, and the two sides are connected by an existing footbridge, according to the statement.

Passengers may also access the new BBI via Nam Fung Path and Wong Chuk Hang Path for Wan Chai bound and Aberdeen bound buses, respectively.

The spokesperson said the new BBI also provides covered waiting areas, seats and fans, together with route information panels and real-time estimated bus arrival display panels provided by the franchised bus operator.

"These facilities enhance the waiting experience and provide passengers with more information to plan their journeys."

Upon the commissioning of the new BBI, the existing bus stops outside and opposite Wong Chuk Hang Hospital will be renamed "Wong Chuk Hang Hospital/Complex for the Elderly" and will remain in operation.